HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-21 Public Comment - D. Kountz - Buffalo Run App. 21076 - Protest March 12, 2021
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 Group LLC's application no. 21076. My property is west of the proposed
development but within the 150' area adjacent to this property. I own 5550 Blackwood Road and
my objections to the annexation and zoning change are as follows:
(1) 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 R-4 residential and commercial units. The city's own R-4 zoning
rules 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.
(2) Chapter 38 article 3 in the Municipal Code F: Residential mixed-use high-density (R-4):
The intent of the R-4 residential mixed-use high density district is to provide for high-density
residential development through a variety of compatible housing types in a geographically
compact, walkable area to serve the varying needs of the community's residents.
These purposes are accomplished by:
(a) Use of this zone is appropriate for areas agent to mixed-use districts,commercial
districts, and/or served by transit to accommodate a higher density of residents in close
proximity to jobs and services.
(3) The City of Bozeman encourages annexations that will enhance the existing traffic circulation
system or provide for systems that do not exist at the present time. The creation of R-4
residential units whose drivers will be routed on Kurk through residential neighborhoods and on
to a county two lane county road that dead ends into Stucky Road another two lane county
road. This does nothing to "enhance" current traffic circulation.
(4) One cannot predict that high density residential development will eventually fit in with
the character of the district. One only needs to look at current and historic character as
well. We doubt the landowners currently residing on Fowler Lane would agree that its
destiny has already been determined to be urban.
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, transportation
plan 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 will be the pathway into the community's future.
Thank you,
Dayle Kountz
5550 Blackwood Rd.
Bozeman, MT 59718