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Home My WebLink About02-09-21 Public Comment - S. Deck - Buffalo RunFrom: Stacey Deck To: Agenda Subject: Buffalo Run comments Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 10:23:46 AM Attachments: BuffaloRunPlanning.pdf Hi I’ve attached my Buffalo Run comments document to this email as a pdf. I’ve also copied the content of the document into the body of the email so you have it in 2 different formats. Any questions please let me know. Regards, Stacey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I am writing in regards to the proposed Buffalo Run subdivision. I reside in the Meadow Creek subdivision at 6089 Blackwood Road, Bozeman MT 59718 Prior to the zoning committee meeting the developer submitted this document http://weblink.bozeman.net/WebLink8/0/doc/229679/Electronic.aspx publicly attacking a resident of our subdivision. I think it speaks volumes to the developer’s character. The residents of Meadow Creek are lucky to have Matt Hausauer as a neighbor and fortunate that he is willing to share his knowledge. What is unfortunate is that more subdivisions don’t have a Matt Hausauer. R5 Zoning R5 Zoning requires there be services available within walking distance. Presently, there are no services within 2 miles of Buffalo Run: no grocery stores, no pharmacies, no coffee shops, no gas stations, and no restaurants. Additionally, R5 zoning is not compatible with the surrounding area. The proposed R5 zoning does not meet the criteria set forth by the city of Bozeman. The proposed area is currently outside of the city limits and is in neither a geographically compact nor walkable area. The code (Municipal Code Sec 38.300.100) goes on to say that an R-5 zoning district 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 location is not adjacent to mixed-use districts, not served by any transit, nor is it in close proximity to jobs and services. It will be an R5 zoned island. I realize this letter should be written in regards to the annexation and zoning of the 20 acre parcel and that the comments should only revolve around those topics. But, it is hard for me to address zoning without speaking to the impact to the residents of Meadow Creek. Here is my argument: Zoning determines how many units will be built. In turn, the number of units corresponds to the number of potential occupants (being in close proximity to the University, we can assume maximum occupancy per unit). The number of occupants has a direct correlation to the number of vehicles which in turn relates to the number of cars having to traverse Meadow Creek to reach the entrance of Buffalo Run. Therefore, the zoning determines: number of occupants, number of vehicles, and the number of trips in and out of the Meadow Creek Subdivision. I see where none of these positively impact the residents of Meadow Creek. Four story buildings set against single and two story homes, increased traffic through streets not designated as collectors nor main arterials, safety issues as there will be more traffic directly against the neighborhood park on all four sides along with additional noise from increased traffic. It also will most likely negatively impact water pressure for Meadow Creek residents. We have such low water pressure we have to manually pull up 2 zones of our sprinklers to get them up and running. We’ve had multiple sprinkler experts out and each reach the same conclusion: ”insufficient water pressure”. We have 15 zones to alleviate the low water pressure problem and for 2 of the zones it’s still a problem. I’ve called the city and been told “it’s not their problem” and that the city leaves it up to the developer to determine the correct sizing of the pump station. Since I’m not the only resident in Meadow Creek that has this problem, one can safely infer that the pump station was incorrectly sized. It is also my understanding that the metrics used to determine the size of a pump station only take into consideration the number of faucets in a house, not the irrigation needs. If the planning committee approves Buffalo Run is the city of Bozeman going to address the negative impacts to the residents of Meadow Creek? At a minimum, will they address the already low water pressure? Buffalo Run Entrance / Traffic The developer of Buffalo Run has proposed 2 entrances to Buffalo Run: one entrance off of Kurk St. and the other off of 31st St. Both entrances would be separated by 150 feet. Additionally, the developer proposes lopping off 60 feet of the park in order to gain the 2nd entrance. The developer has presented in his documents that there is a public right of way easement for the 31st St. entrance. The easement is NOT a public right of way easement but is an agreement made between two farmers that provided walkability access to the ditch and is recorded as such. These 2 proposed entrances to Buffalo Run are within the Meadow Creek Subdivision. In order to reach them, one must navigate down Graf, to 27th , and then to Kurk. The entrances are directly adjacent to the undersized city neighborhood park. The developer not only is proposing entrances, but also putting another street on the 4th side of the city park, thus encompassing the city park on all 4 sides with nothing but traffic. There is no reason that the developer cannot put the 2 entrances to Buffalo Run off of Fowler Road. Doing so eliminates additional traffic through Meadow Creek, provides Buffalo Run with their own dedicated entrances and is a much cleaner solution from a safety perspective, both to the children that use the park and also to emergency vehicles which would not have to navigate Meadow Creek subdivision in order to get to Buffalo Run. Sixty feet of Ainsworth Park should not be chopped off to accommodate a developer. The park is not only used by Meadow Creek, it is used by Talbach House residents, residents of South Rows, and Southbridge Residents. Construction Traffic If Buffalo Run construction traffic is going to use Graf, 27th and Kurk who is going to pay the assessment to improve those roads once construction is complete? The Meadow Creek residents who live adjacent to those streets? I don’t think that is just or fair. Meadow Creek residents should not have to eat the cost of road repair due to heavy equipment used to build out Buffalo Run. All construction equipment should have to use Fowler Road. Annexation The city of Bozeman has stated a number of times that they are against urban sprawl. I fail to see how annexation of this parcel does not contribute to urban sprawl. I strongly oppose the annexation of the 20 acre parcel. Affordability The City of Bozeman has given the impression that housing affordability is a priority. Yet, there is no mention of affordability in the Buffalo Run Plan. The developer is actually touting these new units as “luxury” units. Acknowledging the city's need for affordable housing, Buffalo Run proposes 288 condominiums, which would be exempt from the affordable housing requirements set forth by the city. Community Involvement The developer received a lot of criticism from the zoning commission due to not reaching out to Meadow Creek residents to involve them. After the zoning commission meeting the developer has met with the Meadow Creek HOA board but refuses to meet with all the home owners. One wonders why the developer is so resistant to engaging the residents of Meadow Creek. Summary In summary, I strongly oppose the following: · Annexation of the 20 acre parcel being proposed as Buffalo Run · R5 zoning of Buffalo Run · Entrance to Buffalo Run through the Meadow Creek subdivision · The negative impact to Meadow Creek subdivision water pressure What would be acceptable: · If the city must annex the parcel it should be zoned R3. · All entrances / exits to Buffalo Run should be off of Fowler not through Meadow Creek subdivision · The city of Bozeman should address the poor water pressure in Meadow Creek subdivision Regards, Stacey Deck