HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-21 Public Comment - C. Ogilvie - Buffalo Run App. 21076From:Craig Ogilvie
To:Agenda
Subject:public comment on Buffalo-run zoning application 21076
Date:Wednesday, March 17, 2021 6:02:16 PM
Attachments:Buffalo Run CO.pdf
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Please find attached my public comment for the zoning commission for Buffalo-run zoningapplication 21076.
Can you please reply to confirm that this has been received?
Thanks
Craig Ogilvie
1
3428 S. 30th Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59718
515 520‐1590
profcraigogilvie@gmail.com
March 17, 2021
RE: Buffalo Run Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Application #21076
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners, Zoning Commission, and Staff:
I certainly understand the need for more housing in Bozeman, but I write in opposition to this
application for high‐density housing in this 20‐acre parcel. A lower‐density zoning would be more
appropriate, and a lower‐density zoning would be consistent with the city growth policies in the
Bozeman 2020 Community Plan (specifically, Theme #2, Goal N‐1.11 A City of Unique Neighborhoods).
The proposed R‐4 development does not “enable a gradual and predictable increase in density in
developed areas over time.” The proposed high density is not “in harmony with adjoining
development, existing neighborhoods, and the goals and objectives of the city’s adopted growth
policy.”
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My specific arguments against high‐density R‐4 zoning are:
1)High‐density R‐4 zoning of this parcel does not meet any of the four criteria outlined in the
Bozeman Municipal Code 38.300.100, which states “Use of this zone is appropriate for areas adjacent
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.’
The parcel is not adjacent to mixed‐use districts. It is adjacent to County farmland on three
sides and a detached single‐family home neighborhood on the other.
There are no close commercial districts, with over 2.5 miles to the nearest grocery store.
The property is not served by transit.
There is no close proximity to jobs and services, with over 1.5 miles to the nearest possible
employer on Enterprise Blvd. All services, stores etc., are over 2.5 miles away.
The large number of residents allowed by such a zoning will not walk or take nonexistent transit—
they will drive their vehicles to access jobs and services. This does not support the City’s goals of
promoting walkable neighborhoods and reducing automobile pollution and traffic.
2)The proposed zone map amendment would have a major negative effect on the safety of residents
and negatively impact motorized and non‐motorized transportation systems. The allowable density
under an R‐4 would significantly increase vehicles, vehicle trips, and backups through existing
residential neighborhoods.
Because people tend to drive the shortest route, most cars from Buffalo Run will exit via the local
road, Kurk Drive. The volume of cars funneled through R‐3 neighborhood Meadow Creek would
dramatically increase the safety risks to residents and their children.
2
3) The R‐4 zoning is not compatible with the Land Use/City’s Adopted Growth Policy. Bozeman’s
Unified Development Code, 38.700.404, defines compatible development as “The use of land and the
construction and use of structures which is in harmony with adjoining development, existing
neighborhoods, and the goals and objectives of the city’s adopted growth policy.”
“Compatible development does not require uniformity or monotony of architectural or site design,
density or use.”
Compatible land use is “A land use which may by virtue of the characteristics of its discernible outward
effects exist in harmony with an adjoining land use of differing character.”
The proposed high‐density R‐4 is a large step in density compared to the neighborhood and is not in
harmony with Meadow Creek, which is built as R‐1 and R‐2 density. R‐4 zoning is not compatible with
the existing community.
In summary, I have three main objections, 1) the proposal does not meet Bozeman’s criteria for R4
because the parcel is not “adjacent 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”, 2) the
proposal increases the safety risks to residents – most of the traffic would come through a local
street, Kurk Drive, and 3) the proposed zoning is a large step in density and does not meet the City’s
Adopted Growth Policy of compatible development.
All three reasons point to an option for lower‐density zoning in this parcel.
Sincerely
Craig Ogilvie