HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-21 Public Comment - B. & E. Gunnink - Buffalo Run App. 21076From:Brett and Elaine Gunnink
To:Jennifer Madgic; Terry Cunningham; I-Ho Pomeroy; Agenda; Cyndy Andrus; Christopher Coburn
Subject:Opposition to R4 zoning of Buffalo Run subdivision
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 8:51:12 PM
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Bozeman City Commission:
We are writing to express our strong opposition to R4 zoning of Bozeman's proposed
subdivision named Buffalo Run. We have followed the activity of the Meadow Creek HOA
board and know that they have articulated well the reasons that R4 zoning is inappropriate for
this annexation.
The latter paragraphs of this e-mail present the technical reasons that we oppose this zoning,
reasons that were summarily rejected by 3 of the members of the zoning commission as being
self-interested and selfish. Quite frankly, we are insulted that the zoning commission
expressed little concern about the overwhelming and rational opposition to the annexation
and zoning of this parcel.
Our property is within 100 yards of this proposed new subdivision. Of particular concern to us
is access and density.
With respect to access, 3 of the 4 access roads to the Meadow Creek subdivision are currently
not constructed or unfinished. Blackwood should go from 19th street to the west boundary of
Meadow Creek. However, a 200-yard segment of Blackwood is unfinished gravel that is
blocked by concrete jersey barriers. Kurk should run from the west boundary of Meadow
Creek to the west boundary of South Ridge. Two blocks of Kurk are currently gravel and not
maintained by the city. 27th street was designed as a boulevard, but one block of it is half
finished and currently this road, that was designed for one-way traffic, supports two-way
traffic. Currently, if the intersection of Parkway and Graff were to become blocked there
would be no city-maintained streets that would provide emergency access to the entire
Meadow Creek subdivision. These access issues should be resolved before any further
expansion of city boundaries in areas adjacent to Meadow Creek is considered. We
understand that the Buffalo Run developer has offered some solutions to access concerns. In
our opinion, the solutions that have been offered (completion of 27th, paving of Fowler)
would be adequate if the Buffalo Run subdivision was zoned R3. There are inadequate to
support the additional traffic that would accompany R4 zoning.
With respect to density, let's just say that we think it is ridiculous for the city to approved R4
high density residential development in this location. It is inconsistent with adjacent
development and because of the lack of available public transportation and the distance to
service businesses, it is also inconsistent with the city's R4 zoning designation and long-range
building plan.
For these and other reasons well-articulated by the Meadow Creek HOA, we strongly opposed
the annexation of Buffalo Run with an R4 zoning.
I would end this e-mail with this, except that it was made clear at the zoning commission
meeting that emotion drives these decisions rather than rational process. My final plea is for
the wildlife that I have personally viewed on or near this parcel. The cranes, deer, weasels,
owls, elk, skunk, eagles, and yes, bear all would very much like to keep thier current homes.
Respectfully submitted,
Brett and Elaine Gunnink
3361 S 29th Ave