HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-14-18 Protest - J. & R. Howard - Rainbow Creek Annexation and Zone Map AmendmentLetter of Protest
RE: File 18-240 Rainbow Creek Rentals annexation and zoning request
City of Bozeman November 14, 2018
Department of Community Development
ATTN: Assistant Planner Garber
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
Dear Planner Garber:
We are the owners of property just to the east of the proposed request (BAXTER MEADOWS SUB PH
3A, S34, T01 S, R05 E, BLOCK 5, Lot 19, ACRES 0.262, PLAT J-448 PLUS OPEN SPACE).
We strongly oppose and protest this request to grant residential high density district spot zoning to this
tiny inholding in a surrounding planned community of R-1 zoning.
We oppose this designation on the following grounds:
1.It constitutes spot zoning, which is illegal in Montana. The property has only 1.8 acres of
buildable land, and is surrounded by different zoning on all sides.
2.Given #1 above, and the high level of citizen objection to this proposed change, the city is likely
to face a long and expensive legal battle if the change is granted.
3.It would put a disproportionate burden on traffic and other infrastructure in the neighborhood.
4.It would increase the load on the neighborhood park and walking paths in Baxter West, none of
which would be paid for by the property owners.
5.Multifamily high density zoning is currently available in both developed and undeveloped
properties within a mile of the proposed development, none of which produce the effects listed
in 1 through 3, above.
6.The only beneficiary of the proposed zoning would be the landowner (not the much larger and
more populous surrounding community.)
7.Surrounding homeowners, and possibly the entire Baxter subdivision, would likely suffer
decreased property values as a result of the proposed zoning.
8.The city’s own description of R-4 zoning includes “associated service functions”, none of which
are currently available at this location; no bus service, businesses, gas stations, etc. are nearby.
9.The proposed zoning subverts the intent, planning, and execution of the Baxter Meadows
design, with higher densities to the east, and lower density to the west. This obvious inholding
goes contrary to that well-planned neighborhood community.
Please deny this annexation and zoning change request.
John W. Howard and Rhonda L. Howard
2180 Riata Road
Bozeman, MT 59718