HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-17 Public Comment - R. Canfield- UDC Subchapter 4BMy name is Richard Canfield. I live at 726 South Third, quite a few
blocks from the B-3 Halo. However, let me assure those of you who
live along Babcock, Olive, and Mendenhall : I AM YOUR NEIGHBOR.
It is obvious that the existing Subchapter 4B of the NCOD Guidelines
desperately needs revision that addresses B3-R2 buffer zones. In
particular, that revision needs meaningful representation of all
affected members of our community.
I am very impressed by the process that the City Commission and the
City staff is using for developing a Short Term Rental ordinance. The
City is taking enough time, and including all stakeholders. Thoughtful
input was taken through the Inter-Neighborhood Council.
The key first step in this process was a moratorium. The existing
Subchapter 4B shows that haste makes waste. If Subchapter 4B is
applied as written, it will do great harm. It is important that a
moratorium be placed on the review of B-3 developments in the halo
to allow time for the needed input and deliberation.
Stakeholders in, and adjacent to, the B-3 halo properties have the
very real potential of experiencing a loss of enjoyment of property and
decreased value due to code revisions.
Developers have made significant investments under legitimate
expectations created by temporary codes that require further scrutiny.
Bozeman stands to lose the inherent character of its historical
downtown neighborhoods to massive commercial development,
which cannot hope to address the far greater growth needs of the
overall community.
To proceed with the review of projects under Subchapter 4B without
pause at this juncture would be detrimental to the future of our City.
I urge the City Commission to allow time for the needed input and
deliberation. A moratorium is imperative.