HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-20 Public Comment - J & J Jelinski - community plan updateFrom:Jack and Jane Jelinski
To:Agenda
Subject:community plan update
Date:Monday, July 20, 2020 4:44:13 PM
July 20, 2020To: Bozeman City Commission
Chris Mehl, Mayor Cyndy Andrus, Deputy Mayor City Commissioners Terry Cunningham, I-Ho Pomeroy, Michael WallnerBozeman Planning Commission
From: Jack and Jane Jelinski Re: Community Plan (Growth Policy) Update
We have studied the proposed updates to the Community Plan and have the following comments. On page 10, we appreciate the statement “The needs of new and existing developmentcoexist and they should remain in balance; neither should overwhelm the other.” However, most ofthe document then states goals that would diminish the stability of modest residential neighborhoods,allowing the new developments to overwhelm peaceful, historic neighborhoods. Page 18 – N.1.2“Increase minimum density in residential districts.” We oppose this. N 1.3 – “Revise zoning map tolessen areas for single type housing.” We oppose this. The repeated goal of revisiting zoningundermines the trust and stability of citizens who rely on the promise of the zone they chose tooccupy when they purchased their property. The document is overwhelmingly promoting highdensity at the cost of established neighborhoods and would contradict the statement on page 39 ofthe importance of continuing to protect Bozeman’s sense of place which is unique rather than“Anywhere USA.” There is no mention in the document of historic neighborhoods that provide thecharm and cultural heritage of our city. As you know, when you recently rezoned the Medical Artsparking lot on N. Grand from R-5 to B-3, virtually every single property owner surrounding that landopposed that decision. On page 30, M-1.12 proposes to eliminate minimum parking requirements for commercialdevelopment, “acknowledging that demand for parking will still result in new supply being built.” You are clearly laying the groundwork for establishing a Parking “Benefit” District to deal with aproblem you are creating by not requiring adequate parking for developers. You have receivedstrenuous opposition for that policy and know that it will damage the quality of life for modestneighborhoods. We oppose the adoption of Ordinance 2033 and eliminating minimum parkingrequirements. There is much more in the Community Plan update we oppose, but for the sake of brevity,let’s reflect for a moment on what we should learn from the current pandemic. Our quality of lifehas been preserved during this crisis because we have neighborhoods with single family homes,backyards, space where we can interact with our neighbors without compromising our health. Whata contrast to the living experience of our friends in New York who are confined to tiny, expensiveliving arrangements, densely stacked one floor on top of the others. Is that the kind of livingarrangement you are planning for Bozeman? Acquiring higher taxable valuation is a pathetic objective which ignores the cost of growth,born by your citizens. Please reflect on the statement on page 10 of the proposal: “Quality andfunction is superior to quantity alone.” Jack and Jane Jelinski433 N Tracy AveBozeman, MT 59715
406-587-8367jjjelinski@msn.com