HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-04-19 Public Comment - G. Thompson - South 5th Street ReconstructionFrom:George Thompson
To:Agenda
Subject:Resolution #4507, South 5th reconstruction
Date:Wednesday, December 04, 2019 2:24:43 PM
December 4th, 2019
Agenda Item:
Resolution # 4507 Proposal for South 5th St reconstruction.
Mayor and Commissioners;
It is disappointing to realize the subterfuge employed by City Engineering and our elected officials to
force property owners to accept SID for S. 5th street improvements, UNLESS, 51% of all propertyowners vote no. Most elections are decided by majority number of voters agreeing to particularoutcomes. Seems silly that not voting at all is tacit agreement for outcome as determined byCommissioners.
No Fiscal Transparency: We received a simple notification stating that City Engineers wanted to
discuss future maintenance projects on S. 5th St. There was no mention of the $100 month
increased cost above the existing street maintenance tax levy. Of the 80+ property owners less than
20 owners showed up for the meeting. Yes, perhaps some of the commissioners were not part of the
initial vote to establish the SID requirements. However times have changed, given the recent 20%-
30% increase of property value assessments and the statement that “ Commissioners do not intend
to reduce the existing mill levy”, resulting in additional tax revenues for streets, utilities, trees, and
now proposed tax increases for parks. Would like to suggest the Commission use the existingStreet maintenance funding to improve all streets used by the public and not place undue taxburdens on selected residential property owners.
As a Bozeman property owner for over 40 years, I have seen property taxes increasing at anunsustainable level. I have struggled to maintain rental property at an affordable rental rate. Rightnow, two months of rent covers only city taxes. Of course each of you know existing mortgages and
rising costs of insurance rates and contractor improvements. This S. 5th St reconstruction will cost
my tenants $1,200 a year with no discernable impact on their house. This money could have beenused to improve the property value and bolster neighborhood image with new front door, exteriorpainting, landscaping. Yet I continually read about administrative discussion regarding rent controls,that price gouging by landlords is preventing affordable housing. No one mentions taxes asimpacting rental costs.
Now is the time to reevaluate prior Commission decisions and remove this SID provision. It shouldbe noted that for many new subdivisions it is required that owners waive right of protest for SID.Seems that the quest to provide affordable housing on slim budgets will be equally impacted by anadditional $100 month unforeseen payment. Will you offer to freeze taxes for affordable housing?Rentals are an affordable solution, perhaps freeze taxes on all rental units. Oh my….
It is likely South 5th property owners would agree to pay the small cost to add traffic calmingcircles at all intersections or extending intersection/corner walkways. This would be a validneighborhood request over and above city street improvements. As such it would make a hugedifference in the walkability of area, restore traffic to slower speeds and create focal points forplantings while increasing property values.
However, the continual maintenance of our streets is for the whole community to share thisburden. Now is the time to eliminate or modify this outdated SID ordinance within our residentialneighborhoods.
Thank you,
George Thompson, 12 Hill Street.