HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-07-21 Public Comment - W. Smallen & P. Ormond - Buffalo Run DevelopmentFrom: Billy Smallen
To: Agenda
Subject: Public Comment on Zoning Commission Meeting 01/11/2021
Date: Thursday, January 7, 2021 9:01:41 PM
Dear Bozeman Zoning Commission,
We are writing to express our disapproval with the proposed R5 Zoning designation and
annexation for the proposed “Buffalo Run” subdivision.
We are homeowners in the Meadow Creek subdivision and are dismayed by the impacts that
an R5 Zoned development would have on traffic congestion, with the development planning to
utilize Meadow Creek streets for hundreds of extra vehicles per day. We expect that Gran
Cielo will already bring a large volume of traffic to the area, and are concerned that the
proposed development will use those same streets rather than building new access points.
R5 Zoning is also out of character with the R1/R3 feel of the Meadow Creek/Gran Cielo area
and should not be placed adjacent. Doing so goes against the Bozeman Community Plan
and doesn’t follow the City’s own guidance for R5, as the development will not be close to
transit and will not be walking distance to commerce. This subdivision proposal would do
nothing to further the City’s goals of affordable housing, as they have structured it as to be
exempt from requirements.
We are not anti-growth and very much understand that the City is trying to quickly alleviate a
housing shortage, but this proposal is the wrong way forward. The developers are hoping to
put the burden of proper development on the Meadow Creek and Gran Cielo subdivisions
through moves such as proposing to build a road through one of Meadow Creek’s parks.
We feel that zoning this area R5 is wrong because:
--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]-->It would greatly increase traffic congestion on
residential streets
--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]-->It is out of character with the area, abutting R3 and
in-all-but-name R1 subdivisions
--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]-->It is too far from transit and the centers of commerce
in the City
--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]-->Without taking down an existing park, there will be
one way in, and one way out
--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]-->Block width will be too small, impacting the grid if
built as proposed
--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]-->It does not follow the City’s own guidance for where
R5 developments should be located
--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]-->Will exacerbate the low water pressure already
existing in the area
And on top of this, the development as proposed would not create any affordable housing in
the City.
We urge you to VOTE NO on this designation and annexation. Surely there are better
proposals that will be put forth for this land that will not unduly impact existing development,
and will further the City’s affordable housing goals.
Thank you,
William Smallen and Paige Ormond
3222 S. 26th
Ave
Bozeman, MT 59718
406-551-7054