HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-03-21 Public Comment - B. Smallen - Buffalo RunFrom: Billy Smallen
To: Agenda
Subject: February 9 Meeting Comment Regarding "Buffalo Run" Proposed Subdivision
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 5:31:03 PM
William Smallen and Paige Ormond
3222 S. 26th
Ave
Bozeman, MT 59718
Dear Bozeman City Council,
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.
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 subdivision through moves such
as proposing to build a road through one of Meadow Creek’s parks.
The main issue with this proposal is that all of the traffic to and from it (which could be 400-
600 vehicles per day) would be channeled through Meadow Creek, on small two-lane streets
with no traffic lights. The proper flow of traffic to this subdivision would be via Stucky and
Fowler Streets, but Stucky is a two-lane county road that will become congested due to
increased traffic from Gran Cielo, and Fowler is a gravel road with no plans for paving it in the
works.
If the road infrastructure were in place for this R5 subdivision, or if an R1/R3 zoning were
proposed, we would not be writing, as that would be appropriate. An R5 subdivision built
without proper infrastructure is not appropriate and will cause harm to our neighborhood and
community.
We feel that zoning this area R5 is wrong because:
It would greatly increase traffic congestion on residential streets
It puts all of the burden on Meadow Creek homeowners, without any benefit for us
It presupposes that infrastructure will be built, when no money has been allocated
It is out of character with the area, abutting R3 and in-all-but-name R1
subdivisions
It is too far from transit and the centers of commerce in the City
Without taking down an existing park, there will be one way in, and one way out
Block width will be too small, impacting the grid if built as proposed
Will exacerbate the low water pressure already existing in the area
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