HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-05-21 Public Comment - S. Thompson - Buffalo Run Public Comment Regarding Application 20112From: Sam Thompson
To: Agenda
Subject: Public Comment Regarding Application 20112
Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 8:49:32 PM
Public Comment Regarding Application 20112
Dear Bozeman Zoning Commission & Bozeman City Commission,
I am a Bozeman resident and homeowner. I am writing to voice my opposition to the
proposed R-5 zoning district and Buffalo Run development, Application 20112. The purpose
of this letter is not to oppose the responsible development and growth of Bozeman in
general, but to oppose R-5 zoning in this particular area. I ask that you consider three
important topics as they relate specifically to this proposal: access, compatibility and
character. Access to and from the proposed zoning district. Compatibility with existing
developments adjacent to and near the proposed zoning district. Character of the existing
neighborhood and the negative impacts an R-5 zoning district directly adjacent to it will
have.
Access
Kurk Drive is the only city road which accesses the proposed R-5 zoned area. In the
project’s annexation and initial zone map amendment application, it states that, “The project
intends to make Kurk Drive the primary access point along with connections to 31st drive
upon approval.” Kurk Drive is a Local Street, less than 1/2 mile in length, running through
the middle of the Meadow Creek neighborhood, which consists of low density, single family
homes. Funneling the amount of traffic that an R-5 zoning district would see with the
existing or even future options for access would represent irresponsible growth and
contribute to the degradation of the adjacent neighborhoods.
While the property does also border Fowler Lane, this road is dirt and not built to city
standards, nor does it connect with any existing city road. The only remaining access would
be via an existing easement which has the possibility of being developed if this proposal is
approved. This easement could allow South 31st Avenue to be extended north through
Ainsworth Park as an additional means of access, given that there is currently only a single
access point. However, developing this existing easement into a road to access the proposed
R-5 zoned area would reduce the size of Ainsworth Park. Per Bozeman Municipal Code
38.420.020, the Meadow Creek neighborhood is already underserved by parkland, currently
with less than the minimum of 0.03 acres of parkland per single family home. Any
additional roadways through our existing parkland would only decrease this already
marginal number.
Compatibility
Per Bozeman Municipal Code 38.300.100, the intent and purpose of R-5 zoning is to
provide for development of “a geographically compact, walkable area.” The proposed area is
currently outside of the city limits and is in neither a geographically compact nor walkable
area. The code goes on to say that an R-5 zoning district is “appropriate for areas adjacent
to mixed-use districts and/or served by transit to accommodate a higher density of residents
in close proximity to jobs and services.” The proposed location is not adjacent to mixed-use
districts, not served by any transit, nor is it in close proximity to jobs and services. In
addition, the recently adopted Community Plan Future Land Use Map does not include any
mixed-use districts adjacent to the property nor commercial districts near the property.
Based on these facts which are supported by both Bozeman Municipal Code and Future
Growth Plan, R-5 zoning would be inappropriate and incompatible for this location.
Character
In addition to the myriad of access, traffic and compatibility issues associated with the
proposal, R-5 zoning would have major negative impacts on existing developments in the
area. The district would be directly adjacent to an already established neighborhood that has
been developed as R-1. This means that the highest density residential zoning district
allowed by the city would be placed directly next to an already established low density
single family development, drastically changing the character of the existing neighborhood.
While Bozeman is a rapidly growing city and the need for additional housing is apparent,
growing in the way proposed by this development would be irresponsible growth. Let us
grow Bozeman in a positive and responsible manner that is inline with Municipal Code and
the Community Growth Plan. Should this area be developed to serve the housing needs of
our growing community? Possibly yes. But should it be zoned to allow for the largest
residential structures allowed in the city, placed miles from the city center and commercial
development, and outside of the current city limits? Clearly not. Please reject this proposed
R-5 zoning district.
Regards,
Sam Thompson
3356 S 26th Ave
Bozeman, MT 59718