HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-21 Public Comment - E. & B. Peters - Buffalo Run DevelopmentFrom: Emily Peters
To: Agenda
Subject: Buffalo Run Development
Date: Sunday, January 10, 2021 7:12:45 PM
Hello,
My husband and I live in Meadow Creek subdivision. We are writing to express our concerns
regarding the planned Buffalo Run development that is in the public comment stage of the city
planning process. While the Bozeman Community Plan recognizes the need for high density and
mixed-use development, it also acknowledges that this must happen thoughtfully. We feel that
several aspects of the proposed development do not reflect thoughtful growth.
It is our understanding that the application is requesting annexation and zoning as an R-5
designation. Section 38.300.060 of the Bozeman municipal code defines R-5 as “high-density
residential development through a variety of compatible housing types and residentially supportive
commercial uses in a geographically compact, walkable area to serve the varying needs of the
community's residents,” which 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 development does not match any aspect of this description: it is adjacent to an R-1
neighborhood with no walkable destinations nor served by any form of public transit. Furthermore,
the Bozeman’s Community Plan Land Use Map does not show any mixed-use or commercial
property planned adjacent to the proposed development. The location of the proposed
development does not fit the goals of an R-5 zone and would accordingly not provide the desired
benefits that an R-5 zone could achieve in the correct location.
The Community Plan supports developments “that can help reduce housing costs while not
jeopardizing public safety and other community priorities.” While the Buffalo Run proposal does not
provide affordable housing, the traffic flow may reduce public safety for residents of the existing
community. Kurk Road is the only city road providing access to the proposed development of 288
condominium units. We are concerned that the intersection at 27th
and Kurk, in an R-1
neighborhood, does not provide sufficient access for an R-5 zone. Additionally, the proposal includes
extending a road through the corner of the Meadow Creek’s neighborhood park. This road would cut
through the portion of the park that houses the community playground, which raises serious
concerns for safety.
Thank you for the opportunity to express our concerns. We hope you take our feedback into
consideration.
Sincerely,
Emily and Brad Peters