HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-18 Public Comment - T. Crawford - Strategic PlanApril 5, 2018
A fairly serious review of the Vision and Vision Statements as adopted by the City Commission (4-5-18) is
a rather daunting undertaking. The length and breadth of this document might well leave the reader in
wonder as to the depth of consideration required of the commissioners in its adoption. I generally came
away with the notion that a comprehensive response was beyond the time constraints and mental
discipline required. Perhaps this is not wholly unintentional.
Now let’s be reasonable and understand that sustainable growth and development is a contradiction in
terms, perhaps even a conundrum. This is a phrase loved by Chamber of Commerce types whose
acquaintance with truth can be generously termed “trumpian”.
On the front page of the Chronicle today (4-4-18) is a headline “Developers Propose To Replace Trailer
Park In North Bozeman”. The story is of a southern California developer’s proposal to supplant an older
period trailer park with 16 three-story duplexes. To the right is an attractive architect’s rendering of a
proposed building standing free giving the impression of spacious duplex living. The developer is from
Santa Clarita, California. I have been there and can truthfully say that it is what many arrivals in
Bozeman are proud to have left. There is apparently no end to out-of-state developers coming to
harvest what appears to be low hanging fruit by comparison from whence they come. I suppose a
benefit added to the replacement of the now unsightly old trailers with new contemporary duplexes is
answering the city’s desire for greater central density. The numerically inefficient low density, and
probably economically, less advantaged residents, will of course have to move on, such is the nature of
growth and change. How can the city not benefit from this change with the new tasteful higher-valued
residences reflecting the new dynamic health of our town? Where are the probably lower-income
dispossessed to go?
If the city really wants a diverse community as stated in the vision document, builders or developers
should be required to provide housing of similar square footage for those forced to move. This housing
should be well-planned and integrated into the community. I will encourage the reader to imagine the
baying howl of unfairness that would come from the developers should such a suggestion be proffered
by the city commission.
Please consider the foregoing to be a small example of the contradictions in this wondrous and
ambitious vision statement.
I could of course go on for considerable length in these observations, but I think you see my point. I am
also not sure that further dissection of a model is the best teacher of anatomy.
Tim Crawford
15 S. Tracy Ave., Suite #8
Bozeman, MT 59715
585-9333