HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-18 Public Comment - Z. Osman - Smart Planning & Protect NCODFrom:webadmin@bozeman.net
To:Chris Saunders
Subject:Smart Planning & Protect NCOD
Date:Friday, August 10, 2018 11:34:58 AM
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: Zehra OsmanSite Visitor Email: zosman534@gmail.com
I live in the sprawling sea of houses on the west side of town. I’m tired of hearing that “smartgrowth” means we must increase housing density downtown. On the contrary, when a new
high-density condo complex that few can afford displaces low-and-medium-income housingdowntown (and drives up surrounding costs), they’re pushing us all out into the sprawl. Many
of these expensive infill apartments benefit only the absentee owners and developer.
We need a commitment from the city to instead focus on creating self-containedMidtown/West/Northwest villages that are not only walkable, but have places we want to walk
to; workplaces, small grocers, shops, restaurants, cafes, and spots for weekly Farmer’sMarkets. Build up the density here; this is where the radical, hip, contemporary architecture
should happen, as part of walkable, self-contained villages—not in the NCOD. Then, we west-siders wouldn’t have to spend so much time in traffic. Currently, west-side commercial strip
developments are only accessible via hot, windy, exposed, and inhospitable sidewalks alongcongested, too-wide, multi-lane roads.
The downtown Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District already has a sense of place
worth preserving; its guidelines exist to protect our historic districts and preserve the characterof Bozeman, and should not be changed. Furthermore, the consultant’s NCOD windshield
survey was superficial and didn’t assess historic significance through historical research.Before changing the NCOD boundary, fund a proper historic building survey to assess areas
that have become historic since the NCOD was established.
Finally, I request the Bozeman City Mayor and Commissioners slow the planning down so weresidents can participate. Multiple consultants are conducting multiple fast-paced planning
efforts concurrently; how can we keep up with one, let alone several? Instead, begin with theumbrella Community Plan, then proceed to other plans sequentially.