HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-29-19 Public Comment - M. Henry - Recovery HouseFrom:Mike Henry
To:Agenda
Cc:Martin Matsen
Subject:Recovery House in Figgins Subdivision Concerns
Date:Monday, July 29, 2019 3:50:27 PM
Dear Deputy Mayor Mehl, & Marty Matsen,
Through the Bozeman Daily Chronical, I recently became aware of plans for
an addict recovery house in the Figgins neighborhood. I am shocked that
there has not been any posting at the proposed property on the corner of
Westridge and Graf, nor any notification to neighborhood residents of the
plan. For better or worse, having an addict recovery house has the
potential to significantly affect the neighborhood and the community needs
to be involved in the decision process.
While there certainly is a need for recovery homes in Bozeman, it seems
like there is a serious lack of judgement with the proposed
location. Located on the corner of Westridge & Graf, the house sits in close
proximity to both Morningstar Elementary School and Sacajawea Middle
School. The sidewalk in front of the house is a main corridor for children
walking and biking to either school.
According to studies, sober living home programs do increase the rate of
abstinence significantly. However, recovery rates are still only 40-
70%. Potentially having 4-7 residents that relapse seems an undue risk to
neighbors and the students of Morningstar and Sacajawea.
Lastly, the Figgins neighborhood and proposed location for the addict
recovery house is zoned R-1. Per the chronicle article, in order for the
house just to break even it would need 12 residents. Having 12 adult
residents along with a house supervisor certainly does not qualify
as “residential single-household low density district”. In addition to other
issues, there simply is not enough parking. During the school year
Westridge Dr. is already very congested with traffic and having 13 additional
vehicles parked at or near the corner of Westridge and Graf would only add
to existing traffic issues.
To summarize, while an addict recovery house is certainly needed in
Bozeman, the proposed location is not a good choice due to the proximity to
two schools and zoning issues. Lastly, the residents of the neighborhood
need to be involved in the process.
Sincerely,
Mike Henry