HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-21 Public Comment - C. Walgren - Buffalo RunFrom: Catherine Walgren (via Google Docs)
To: Agenda
Cc: Cyndy Andrus; Michael Wallner; jmadgic@bozman.net; lpomeroy@bozeman.net; Terry Cunningham
Subject: City Commissioners: Public comment on Buffalo Run Development
Date: Monday, February 8, 2021 2:57:26 PM
Attachments: City Commissioners Public comment on Buffalo Run Development.pdf
catherine.walgren@gmail.com has attached the following document:
City Commissioners: Public comment on Buffalo Run
Development
Public comment from Scott and Catherine Walgren Re: Buffalo Run
Development
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Dear Bozeman City Commissioners and Staff:
Re: Public Comment on R-5 Zoning Permit and Annexation Application for
(proposed) Buffalo Run development and Negative Impacts on adjacent Meadow
Creek Subdivision
We are residents of the Meadow Creek Subdivision writing in opposition to the R-5 Zoning and traffic
plan request for the proposed Buffalo Run development. In an effort to provide constructive and
informed feedback, a significant and deliberate effort has been made to research and understand the
proposal, the Bozeman Community Plan, city planning standards, zoning, municipal code, and public
safety.
We are very grateful to the Bozeman Zoning Commission for hearing our neighborhood’s concerns and
voting to oppose R-5 Zoning.
Our first comment is in regards to the concerning increased traffic volume and new development access.
With the original plan, two paved access points through Meadow Creek were proposed. One of these
extensions would be right next to our house on the corner of 31st and Meah Lane, with Ainsworth Park
right across from our house. This park is used daily by multiple families who enjoy the jungle gym and
wide open SAFE space. We observe children riding their bikes there all the time and parents allow them
to because there is minimal traffic. This safety net would disappear if 31st Ave was extended through the
park. Based on The Traffic Impact Study for Buffalo Run, more than 2000 additional vehicle trips will
occur through Meadow Creek. Therefore, we absolutely oppose this option and highly approve of
Fowler being developed to accommodate Buffalo Run traffic.
Our second comment is in regards to restricting high density dwelling in Buffalo Run. Our understanding
is the developer originally planned for a 288- unit condominium complex with R-5 Zoning. The
developer has proposed amending the R-5 zoning with restrictive covenants. We are pleased there is a
move to decrease the number of dwellings, however, keeping the parcel of land as R-5 places this area at
high risk of overdevelopment, increased traffic, speeding, decreased safety for walking, jogging, biking,
as well as loss of park land. Although we are designated R-3, we basically developed as R-1. Placing
this quiet, safe, small neighborhood next to an R-5 Zone will greatly affect future development
surrounding us.
We anticipated growth to occur around us. What we never dreamed of was looking out our front door
only to see 3+ story-high condominiums. It will be such a shame if the City of Bozeman annexes this
land and allows this to happen. There are other ways to accommodate growth without destroying what
our neighborhood holds so dearly: quiet safe streets with low traffic volume surrounded by similar
housing structures.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Catherine and Scott Walgren
3090 Meah Lane
Bozeman, MT 59718
757-651-2154