HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-28-2020 Public Comment - D. Davar and J. Calvert - Wagon Wheel Road Annexation January 19, 2020 malve
Bozeman City Clerk
121 North Rouse Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
RE:Application 19-468
Bozeman City Commission:
We are supporting the proposed annexation and R-3 zoning of this property. My husband and I own the
111 Heritage Drive property that abuts the south side of the proposed annexation.We have lived on the
property since 2004 and have been active is supporting the Robertson, (the present owners)with
animal care, gardening, irrigation, meals and any other help they needed since we moved in. They
became second parents to us and we have loved that land. Years ago, Dr. Robertson even put in a green
metal gate between our properties so neither of us would have to crawl over the fence to access each
others homes.
Upon learning that they were going to sell we were devastated even though we knew it was necessary
due to their declining health. I had been fantasizing over the years about winning the lottery and
building smaller homes where we and our friends age in place.Well, that didn't happen so our next
wish was a wealthy person buy it and it remain an intact acreage. Imagine our surprise upon learning
about the cohousing plan. I had read about this movement in other states but really knew nothing about
it until attending planning meetings with the cohousing members and reading about cohousing projects.
It looks like my initial wish is being fulfilled even though we will not be living there.
Of course my husband and I do not want to have our property value lessened.We would not be
supporting an R-3 designation if it were to be multiple apartment buildings. I believe this plan and
these members will be creating a community that adds to our neighborhood. The cohousing members
commitment to best use site planning, open land, energy efficiency, childcare and social contacts will
increase value rather than decreasing it. More people are desiring to create homes and communities that
support connection rather than isolation, this cohousing plan has the potential to do that. In the
information that I have studied it appears that cohousing retains its property value and the value is often
higher than neighboring homes.
I grew up an a small farm adjacent to a small community in South Dakota. I had this kind of
community and support my entire life. I know the value it gives families and individuals. Being a
psychotherapist in this community since 1980 I also know the pain and suffering that comes with
isolation and lack of support. I believe whatever brings good to our community of Bozeman will bring
good to our own self-interest. I believe this plan will bring good and hopefully open up other cohousing
possibilities throughout the county. I believe this is the best use for the property.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Dacar and Jerry Calvert
111 Heritage Drive
Bozeman, MT 59715