HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-17 Public Comment - C. West - UDC Update, Subchapter 4B, NCOD GuidelinesFrom:charlie@mountaintoys.net
To:Agenda
Subject:NCOD re adoption!
Date:Thursday, September 14, 2017 2:25:10 PM
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Charlie West" <charlie@mountaintoys.net>
Subject: NCOD
Date: September 13, 2017 at 5:02:31 PM MDT
To: <charlie@mountaintoys.net>
I am concerned with the expedited process the re- adoption of this resolution is moving
forward with, and it’s all to keep things as status quo. The current growth rate
forecasts a time of momentous changes in the Bozeman area and I see this as an
opportunity for new ideas and change with some forward thinking. While it may seem
like forward thinking to put high rise buildings (relatively speaking) around the historic
core of Downtown I sort of feel like it’s the oldest game in the book – rich developers
taking advantage of the easiest exploitable rules in a growing community to maximize
their profit while convincing the governing authorities that it is the best thing for their
town. There is a steamroller of investment and development coming our way and if we
don’t put some safeguards in place we will all be flattened. Infill does need to happen,
there are several “non-conforming properties” in the B-3 district that could use some
repurposing. It should not come at the expense of compromising the character of the
city. I feel like the core needs more retail and parking and not necessarily more beds.
Some would be fine but please don’t think it is going to stop sprawl. As far as buildings
go, if we are the “most desirable” place to live as some reports say than we should
require the most desirable buildings, ones that don’t stick out like a big grey tumor, but
flow seamlessly with the other buildings, residences and neighborhoods, transitioning
from one to the other. There should be strict regulations on building materials and
design on all sides of the buildings to keep our town aesthetically pleasing from all
angles of town. There should be safeguards for privacy from views into neighboring
properties as well as light pollution and solar access spilling across properties. With the
current version of the Subchapter 4B the block character requirement has been
removed, effectively severing the B-3 district from any kind of transition to the
surrounding neighborhoods. Transition zones needs to be part of this discussion and
more time is needed for public input as well as in house reviews so please use your
power as commissioners of the people and do not readopt this resolution as is! Thank
you.
Thanks,
Charlie
Charlie West
330 S Bozeman Ave