HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-21 Public Comment - J. & S. Morrison - Buffalo Run App. 21076From:Jennifer Morrison
To:Agenda; info@bozemanlegacy.com; sean morrison
Subject:Buffalo Run
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 9:46:11 PM
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Hello,
I am writing this letter regarding the Buffalo Run high density complex and their request for R-4
zoning, downgraded from their previous proposal of R-5 zoning. We are residents of Meadow Creek
Subdivision and find the zoning of the new complex very concerning. As a subdivision that is zoned
R-1/R-2, this complex is going to negatively impact our subdivision. Our subdivision is calm and a
very family friendly subdivision, which will go away if Buffalo Run R-4 zoning is approved. With the
increased traffic levels from Buffalo Run into Meadow Creek, it increased the chance of pedestrians
being hit, which includes kids at play, it increases the noise levels, it increases traffic accidents,
speeding from the increased traffic flow and the inability to control a family friendly neighborhood.
The developers have stated they still plan to utilize Kurk as one of the arterial streets according to
their plans. Kurk Ave is not an arterial or a collector street. Kurk is a local street without a bike lane,
as well as no sidewalk on the north side. If approved, how is an additional 1,100-2,100 trips per day
through our neighborhood feasible? That is a lot of traffic on one street in order to gain access to
19th Ave. Kurk Ave was not built for that kind of traffic, nor was our subdivision. Even with Fowler
paved to Stucky Rd., Kurk is going to take the brunt of the traffic, as it is the least amount of time to
go through our subdivision vs going down Fowler, over to Stucky and to get on 19th.
Whole parcel R-4 zoning in this location is inappropriate for the same reasons that R-5 zoning was
inappropriate. Neither R-5, nor R-4 zoning meet the City’s published zoning criteria, a conclusion
which the Zoning Commission previously reached with respect to R-5 zoning based on the same
required facts.
Per Bozeman Municipal Code 38.300.100, “Intent and Purpose” of Residential zoning districts, an R-4
“Residential high density district” 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.”
R-4 zoning of this parcel does not meet any of these four criteria:
1) The parcel is not adjacent to mixed-use districts, instead, it is adjacent to County farmland on
three sides and a detached single-family home neighborhood on the other;
2) There are no close commercial districts; the nearest commercial district is a small commercial
park located between Discovery Drive and Enterprise Boulevard, which is over a 1-mile walk from
the nearest corner of the parcel;
3) The parcel is not served by transit, nor is there any plan to expand transit to this area;
4) There is no close proximity to jobs and services; the closest business park is over 1 mile away and
at least a 30 minute walk, the closest grocery store is Town and Country, 2.4 miles away and a 45
minute walk, and the closest restaurants are on the MSU campus, 2 miles away, and at least a 40
minute walk.
As such, this parcel meets none of the stated criteria for R-4 high-density zoning. Because the parcel
is not within easy walking distance to jobs, shopping or restaurants, and is not served by public
transit, it can be anticipated that if it is zoned R-4, the large number of residents allowed by such
zoning will not walk or take nonexistent transit – they will drive their automobiles to access jobs and
services. In fact, the walk score of Buffalo Run is 0 out of 100, which means all 4 errands/trips
require a car (https://www.walkscore.com/score/5400-fowler-ln-bozeman-mt59718). This does not
support the City’s goals of promoting walkable neighborhoods and reducing automobile pollution
and traffic.
Additionally, Meadow Creek already struggles with water pressure in our neighborhood, and many
residents are having to add additional out of pocket expenses to ensure appropriate water pressure.
With the addition of units, this will decrease Meadow Creeks water pressure significantly. The City
of Bozeman has yet to address this problem, which only gets worse with more and more
houses/condominiums approved. The City of Bozeman needs to address the water issue regardless,
so Meadow Creek residents do not have to continue to pay more and more out of pocket to address
the issue as a homeowner.
As I read through the zoning for Buffalo Run, I am not sure how this is even a feasible solution to
approve a high density population next to a low density neighborhood. Is this going to be low
income housing for families, as Bozeman already struggles with low income possibilities? Or is this
another high end, high density complex? Regardless of what this is, the location is not appropriate
next to Meadow Creek Subdivision. Our park where families and children play will be affected since
one of the only access points to Buffalo Run is from Meadow Creek from Kurk Drive. This is an
unsafe access to begin with due to our park being located there, and children at play constantly in
that area. Our neighborhood works hard and closely with one another to ensure everyone’s safety.
With the approval of Buffalo Run, we will no longer be able to ensure the safety of our children,
friends, family and residents that enjoy the calmness and safety of our existing neighborhood with
additional vehicles from Buffalo Run that will utilize Kurk Dr to get through our neighborhood
multiple times a day.
We are requesting that you not approve the Buffalo Run R-4 Zoning for a high density complex next
to Meadow Creek Subdivision which is zone a R-1 single family neighborhood. If Buffalo Run were to
be approved, it would make more sense to approve a R1/R2 zoning.
Thanks for your time in this matter.
Jennifer and Sean Morrison
6205 Blackwood Rd.
Bozeman, MT 59718
406-581-6696/406-640-0846
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