HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-19-20 Public Comment - D. Lakatos - Future Land Use Map Redesignate to Urban NeighborhoodFrom:Dan Lakatos
To:Agenda
Subject:[SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE] South Bozeman Zoning
Date:Monday, October 19, 2020 6:24:32 PM
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To the Bozeman City Commissioners:
My name is Dan Lakatos and I am a resident of Bozeman, MT. Our home is at 3251
Hidden Springs Lane in Alder Creek subdivision. I am writing to ask that a
proposed 120-acre "Industrial" land use parcel in South Bozeman, which is
currently designated as “Residential” land use, remain as Residential, or at the
very least, be re-designated as "Urban Neighborhood" on the Draft 2019 Future
Land Use Map.
My family and I are heartbroken by the prospect of additional zoning redesignations
that will further and forever change the character of Bozeman's Southside and Alder
Creek subdivision. We have lived in Alder Creek since scraping enough together to
purchase our first home in 2005 on Gardenbrook Lane. The high quality of life in this
quiet, safe, family-orientated neighborhood was the reason we chose to stay in Alder
Creek when looking for a little extra space. We always knew the surrounding
farmlands would be developed. However, it was with the understanding of "like"
Residential. My wife and I whole-heartily agree with the arguments below and urge
the Bozeman City Commission to preserve the character and value of this area by not
designating this area for Industrial land use.
For more than 10 years, the city’s future land use map has designated the
presumptive land use for most of the farmland in South Bozeman as "Residential."
The proposed 2019 Draft of the Future Land Use Map will convert 120 acres of
undeveloped land from “Residential” land use to “Industrial” land use. For the
following reasons, the proposed "Industrial Land Use" is incompatible with
both the current Community Plan and the proposed draft 2019 community plan.
Incompatible with Recent Land Use Decisions: In June, the land use for an adjacent
120 acres was changed to Residential Mixed Use and annexed with Residential
Emphasis Mixed Use (REMU) Zoning. The planned REMU development was
approved in part because the businesses associated with REMU development will
benefit and serve surrounding neighborhoods. In turn, the businesses themselves
will depend on customers from nearby residential neighborhoods. Does it really make
sense to propose industrial land next to a recently approved REMU development?
Reduces Opportunities for Walkable Neighborhoods: This proposed industrial parcel
of land is just a few hundred yards from Sacajawea Middle School. If the community
plan seeks walkable neighborhoods, shouldn’t we put residential land near our middle
schools?
Breaks Neighborhood Connections: The proposed industrial parcel is in the heart of
what is to be the future South Bozeman Residential Area. Do we really want the
future neighborhoods of South Bozeman to be separated from one another by
industrial lands?
Risks Water Quality in Parks: The proposed industrial parcel is bifurcated by a stream
that subsequently runs through a park and playground in the Alder Creek Subdivision
and also flows through another parcel, adjacent to Sacajawea Middle School, that has
been designated as park land under a private covenant put in place by the land
developer. Do we really want to invite children to play in a stream that drains
industrial lands?
Risks Children’s Safety and Reduces Neighborhood Livability: South 11th Ave is an
arterial stream that will the industrial land use. Locating industrial land on South 11th
Ave will route industrial traffic through existing residential neighborhoods, across
future walking routes to Sacajawea Middle School, along the Alder Creek
Park/Playground, and along the planned park behind Sacajawea Middle School. Do
we really want to draw industrial traffic through the heart South Bozeman
Neighborhoods and adjacent to designated playgrounds and parks?
To maintain continuity of growth planning, to support the future businesses on
REMU land in South Bozeman, to locate residential areas near schools and
promote walkable neighborhoods, to maintain the safety of current and planned
play grounds, and to protect water quality in parks, I ask that the slated
industrial land in South Bozeman be designated as "Urban Neighborhood" on
the 2019 Draft Future Land Use Map.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Sincerely, Dan Lakatos