HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-18-18 Public Comment - B. Crouse - Reclaiming Icon ApartmentsFrom:Bebe Crouse
To:Agenda
Subject:re: Icon Apartment complex on Babcock Street
Date:Friday, May 18, 2018 1:36:18 PM
Dear Members of the Commission,
I understand the need for more housing and, in particular, affordable units in Bozeman.
However, I am unhappy that the majority of these units are being located in such close
proximity to Valley West. VW was a well-planned community that was built with
considerable open space and a mix of cost points in the housing. We are now being
surrounded by less well-planned developments that focus on cheap, cookie cutter design
and rentals, all with less open space per unit than Valley West. The traffic in the area has
become horrible and our VW open space is seeing heavier use with the resulting increase
in trash and dog waste that is not removed. Adding another 348 units in one development
is crazy! I believe there are WAAAY too many units in this proposed apartment
development and far too little open space to accommodate the density.
I am also really disturbed by the failure of the commission to target more of this
affordable housing into the central and southern parts of the city. The neighborhoods
where many of the commissioners live, by the way. This pattern of surrounding Valley
West with cheap housing with insufficient open space affects our property values and the
quality of life in our neighborhood. Affordable housing should be integrated into
neighborhoods around the city, not simply dumped on those of us on the west side. We
already get less attention in terms of street tree maintenance and leaf sweeping. But,
when you want to throw up some cheap housing, just head to our neighborhood.
I strenuously oppose the number of units in the Icon Apartments development and urge
the commission to require a reduction in the number and an increase in the open space
connected with it.
Sincerely,
Bebe Crouse
4283 Monroe Street #B
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