HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-21 Public Comment - M. Buckley Siverts - Buffalo Run App. 21076From:Siverts, Molly
To:Agenda
Subject:Buffalo Run comment
Date:Monday, March 22, 2021 1:24:16 PM
Attachments:Buffalo Run comment Letter2.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Thank you. Molly Buckley-SivertsAVP Senior Claims ConsultantLockton Companies Lockton Companies5500 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 510 | Minneapolis, MN 55416Direct: 763.512.8645| Cell: 612 308-8071 | E-mail: msiverts@lockton.com _________________________________________________________ ________Voted Best Places to Work in Insurance for 11 years by Business Insurance. Lockton Careers.
Molly Siverts
2948 Meah Lane
Bozeman, MT 59718
Msiverts@lockton.com
March 22, 2021
City of Bozeman Department of Community Development
Attention: Chris Saunders
P.O. Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
agenda@bozeman.net
Buffalo Run Development
I am writing to object the proposed Buffalo Run Development, application 20112 rezoning
request. The proposal is non-compliant with the Bozeman Municipal Code and
nonconformance with the Current Bozeman Growth Policy. The traffic created by this higher-
density project will be pushed through Kurk drive a small egress: resulting in significant higher
levels of traffic throughout Meadow Creek and close neighborhoods. Safety, park size, park
access and smaller park areas will negatively impact livability, usability and character of
Meadow Creek and Southbridge neighborhoods.]
As of today, over 500 units have been approved to be built between 19th and Enterprise
Existing condos and apartments include several large properties near Meadowcreek and this
would be at least 200 units added to the existing large developments in existence.
Grand Cielo will have many multi-family units that are yet to be determined. Those units are
not included in the approved 500 units already being built.
Ainsworth Public Park Size
There are only 2 small parks within walking distance for Meadow Creek children. Should Buffalo
Run go forward as an R-4 development, the existing parks will be extremely crowded and cause
a tremendous increase in traffic for kids and parents to navigate. Meadow Creek park area is
already significantly below city standards.
Zoning
The proposed rezoning and annexation to R-4 district would place higher density residential
zoning district directly next to our already established low-density single-family development,
drastically changing the character and safety of our neighborhood. There is no precedent for this
incompatibility.
2
R-4 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
Proposal is not adjacent to mixed-use districts and is not served by transit or in close proximity
to jobs and services. Oracle which is approximately 1.5 miles away is not served by public
transportation. Oracle’s campus is currently for sale so unclear if this location will be a future job
center. Other employers like MSU and 19th street businesses are further away and not served by
public transportation.
Traffic
The Proposal is for condominiums and possible cottages on 20 acres. The traffic impact study
submitted by the developer grossly underestimates at 200 the additional vehicles during peak
hours
Right now, each street in Meadow Creek has about 10-20 homes or 100-200 trips/day (exclusive
of service providers)1. The Proposal would increase traffic by an estimated 900%.. Additionally,
Meadow Creek homeowners would be responsible for paying for the dramatically increased
usage. As well, this would drive traffic through a quiet, dead-end portion of the Meadow Creek
subdivision increasing the risk of dangerous accidents to families, their children and pets and
dramatically changing the character of the neighborhood.
Affordable Housing Goals
Rentals and condominiums are exempt from the Affordable Housing Ordinance so this project is
not required to provide and likely will not include any affordable units to meet the objectives of
having more people that work in Bozeman, live in Bozeman. R-2 would better meet the City’s
affordable housing objectives create because of the AHO requirements. The proposed residential
condominium units, which no doubt, will have many rentals.
I strongly object to this R-4 development. Thank you for your consideration in this very important
matter.
Sincerely,
Molly Siverts
3