HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-11-19 Public Comment - L. Semones - Community Housing PlanFrom:Linda Semones
To:Agenda
Subject:community housing plan and affordable rentals
Date:Monday, November 11, 2019 2:07:52 PM
Attachments:Affordable Housing Letter.docx
I respectfully submit the following attachment as public comment on the Bozeman
Community Housing Action Plan. Thank you for all you do for the community,
November 11, 2019
Dear City Commission,
I would like to comment on the Community Housing Plan recenty released to the public. In the
section on page 15 where the document addresses ADU’s, basement apartments are also mentioned.
However, after talking with Loren Olsen, Affordable Housing Program Manager, it became apparent that
the incentives suggested for the building of ADU’s were not intended to apply to the creation or
upgrading of basement apartments or housing rentals. In the downtown core and in adjacent areas, as
you know, there are many homes that have basement apartments or another part of the home that is a
rental. Some are well maintained, some are not. Some have street addresses, some do not. But I think
it would be a good addition to the affordable housing inventory to offer the owners of these properties
a way to create, upgrade and even legitimize their rentals by offering them the same or similar
incentives as will be potentially offered to the builders of ADU structures. Your document mentions
permitting incentives and parking regulation incentives. Other possibilities might include tax incentives,
or property value incentives.
Right now, just in our downtown neighborhood, I know of two neighbors who were renters. For
example, a long time resident retired teacher and a downtown employee. Both were told their rents
were going up to meet the area’s average. Both were faced with the fact that they had to move, and
there was no where to go on their income. I can honestly say I understand why the rents were raised.
High property value evaluations and property tax increases are a factor. The high cost in this area of
renovations also is a factor.
It seems that it would be beneficial to the property owner and the renters to put some of these
properties in the affordable community housing category by giving incentives for renovation and/or
creation of apartments in exchange for a promise to rent at a community housing rate.
Another important consideration is that in the downtown area, many lots are too small to permit an
ADU. Some lots have utility lines through the middle which would have to be moved at additional cost
to permit an ADU. Some homeowners could afford a remodel but not the cost of an ADU. Many of the
ADU’s that are currently being constructed are counting on receiving as a minimum the higher, going
rate for rentals that is driving out service workers, teachers and retirees.
It seems only fair, that if the downtown is going to advertise that their goal is to have people living,
working and playing downtown, their theme statement should include ALL the people, not just the
fortunate few who can afford $1700 a month and up rent. I believe that giving property owners
incentives beyond the ADU plan will help.
Sincerely,
Linda Semones 404 S. Church Ave. Bozeman, MT 59715 406 599 3916 lindasemones@hotmail.com