HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-11-21 Public Comment - D. Kountz - Buffalo Run Development To Whom it may concern: The city of Bozeman and City
Commissioners:
This is a formal protest letter against the Buffalo Run Development owners Yellowstone
investment LLC. application no. 20112 My Property is to the west of the proposed development
but with in the 150'area adjacent to this property. I own 5550 Blackwood RD. my objections to
the annexation and to the zoning change are:
First: The land now under consideration for annexation is owned by a development company
from Colorado, Yellowstone Investment Group. Their proposal for this rural, agricultural
land would create a peninsula of high density asphalt and condos, surrounded by agricultural
lands on both sides that is currently zoned by the county to only allow one septic system per 20
acres, not for the proposed 288 condo units. The cities own plans for R5 zoning say that this
zoning has to be with in a close proximity of amenities so that walking and biking are possible
there are no amenities close to this development. Chapter 38 article 3 in the
municipal code F.
Residential mixed-use high density district (R-5). The intent of the R-5
residential mixed-use high density district is to provide for 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.
These purposes are accomplished by.
Providing for a mixture of housing types, including single and multi-
household dwellings to serve the varying needs of the community's
residents.
Allowing offices and small scale retail and restaurants as secondary uses
provided special standards are met.Use of this zone is appropriate for
areas adjacent to mixed-use districts and/or served by transit to
accommodate a higher density of residents in close aroximity to jobs and
services.
This zoning is not compatible with meadow creek or the rural landscape.
The City of Bozeman encourages annexations which will enhance the existing traffic
circulation system or provide for systems that do no exist at the present time. The
creation of nearly 300 residential units whose drivers will initially be routed on Kurk
through residential neighborhoods does nothing to "enhance"current traffic circulation.
In addition, claiming that Kurk will eventually be connected to Fowler Lane will not
enhance new traffic systems since Fowler dead ends into Stucky Road. As you may
know, Fowler Lane is an unimproved county gravel road.
In the applicant's response to Zone Map Criteria (Part H- The Character of the
District), he states that the surrounding area is primarily residential or undeveloped and
that the addition of"offices, restaurants and/or retail"could be perceived as changing
the character of the district." Absolutely. One cannot predict that high density
residential development will eventually fit in with the character of the district. One needs
to look at current and historic character as well. We doubt the landowners currently
residing on Fowler Lane would agree that its destiny is already determined to be urban.
So the final result that the short-term financial objectives of this development are simply
not in harmony with the stated City of Bozeman growth policy, comprehensive climate
change initiatives, or in keeping with the character of this agricultural area. Historically
the city has encouraged maintaining "transition zones"that provide a buffer between
urbanized areas and agricultural/open space. Throughout the community, the alarm has
been raised over the speed and quality of development in our valley. We hope the City
doesn't believe that inappropriate development is the pathway into the communities
future.
Thanks,
Dayle Kountz
5550 Blackwood rd.
Bozeman, Mt 59718