HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-19-2020 Public Comment - D. Lakatos - Oppose Zoning Change - REMUFrom:Daniel Lakatos
To:Agenda
Subject:Blackwood Groves GPA #20-021
Date:Tuesday, May 19, 2020 8:01:21 PM
Dear Planning Board & City Commissioners,
After owning a condo in higher density mixed-use west Bozeman, we purchased a home at 3118Gardenbrook Lane in Alder Creek subdivision in 2005. The safety and quiet character of thesouthside’s single-family neighborhoods attracted us to this area of town. Gratified with our AlderCreek quality of life, in 2016 we decided to remain in Alder Creek and buy our current home at 3251Hidden Springs Lane. Our property abuts to the land proposed for annexation for the BlackwoodGroves development. At the time we bought our new home, we understood that if the farmland were to change hands toa developer, it would be annexed into the city for residential use. At the very least, this providedpeace of mind that a neighborhood similar in character as Alder Creek would blend into thesouthside’s comfortable fabric. I’ve had an opportunity to review some of the Blackwood Groveplans and understand a covenant may be attached to create a consistent buffer that mirrors theadjacent residences. This is a favorable gesture. However, we have great concern related to theproject’s interior zoning and the direction this presents for the future of Bozeman’s southside. Blackwood Groves is obviously is a five to ten-year (or longer) project. What guarantees do thetaxpayers of south Bozeman have which preserve our culture, quality of life, and values we’vecollectively built and embraced for decades – especially in these uncertain times? Growth andchange are inevitable. We urge the Commission and Planning Board to view any decision with a“worst case scenario” mindset. If there are not further measures that can ensure any change inownership or course of action will not alter the Blackwood Groves’ proposed development, thisproperty should not be annexed as REMU. For the record, please note that we vehemently oppose any zoning annexation for industrial,
manufacturing/laboratory along S. 19th between Graf and Goldenstein. We believe this would be
surely be the nail in the coffin that destroys the special family nature of Bozeman’s southside. Respectfully, Dan & Ami Lakatos3251 Hidden Springs LaneBozeman, MT 59715