HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-05-21 Public Comment - D. Parker - Proposed Buffalo Run Subdivision Annexation and ZoningFrom: David Parker
To: Agenda
Subject: Proposed Buffalo Run Subdivision Annexation and Zoning
Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 8:09:58 PM
Dear Mr. Saunders:
I write to you about the proposed Buffalo Run annexation and zoning proposal being
considered on Monday, January 11th. I strongly urge you to not annex this property nor zone
this property with an R5 designation.
I have been a resident of Bozeman since 2008 and moved to Meadow Creek subdivision in
July of 2019 after having lived in a townhome with my family for ten years. I understand full
well the crazy costs of housing and the need for more and more affordable housing. It took me
11 years to move to Meadow Creek! Now, you are jeopardizing my home and its value with
this proposed annexation and high density zoning project.
I have three main concerns with this project. First, I live at 3301 S. 27th--right on the corner of
Kurk Drive and S 27th. I have the only home on 27th with a driveway that backs directly onto
Kurk. I am greatly concerned with the traffic impacts on my ability to get out of this house.
There is no doubt that most residents will access Buffalo run via Kurk--right in front of my
house. I did not bargain for this when I purchased my home in 2019. I would also say the
traffic study likely underestimates the additional traffic given it was undertaken during the
current COVID pandemic. I, for example, work completely at home right now instead of
commuting daily to campus. I--and my neighbors--should not bear the costs of additional
traffic over a period of five years without Fowler being developed (a cost, by the way, that
should be born by the developer and not the taxpayer).
Second, an R5 designation is incompatible with the surrounding development. Further, an R5
designation is only appropriate if the property is within walking distance to existing
commercial zoning and connected to appropriate transportation modes. There is no Streamline
access to Buffalo Run, nor is access to Huffine or Stuckey via Fowler Lane because neither
road are up to city standards. Simply put, the services do not exist and the existing
transportation infrastructure does not exist--so this designation should not be approved.
Third, I write about safety concerns. The additional traffic will make it difficult for my ten
year old to bike in the neighborhood and, in particular. to the Ainsworth Park. Finally, the
existing plans make the park LESS safe by cutting a chunk OUT of the park and adding a road
right next to the playground equipment. That's simply not acceptable.
I am not opposed to high density development long term. But this is not the right place, it is
not consistent with the city's development plan, and it doesn't improve the quality of life in
Meadow Creek. If commercial development existed, if Fowler were upgraded, and if the
proposed plans included retail spaces that I could walk to, I might be persuaded otherwise, but
I cannot support this currently and urge you to turn down this proposal.
Sincerely,
David C.W. Parker
3301 S. 27th Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59718
600-0907