HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-21 Public Comment - M. Walnum - Buffalo Run App. 21076From:Mollie Walnum
To:Agenda
Subject:Buffalo Run Development- Letter of Opposition
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 9:28:56 PM
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I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Buffalo run Development. My husband
and three small children live in the meadow creek subdivision. I would like to say that while Iam opposed to the Buffalo run development, I am not opposed to any and all development.
This proposal is not in line with the community development plan set forth by the city.
During the first zoning board meeting the initial application for a zone 5 development was
denied because the board felt it did not align with the city plan. The developers then reappliedat the zone 4 designation and the board approved this application. I was confused and
concerned about why the board had a change of opinion, when the density of zone 4 is almostthe same as a zone 5. They initially said that the zone 5 was not appropriate and did not align
with the city plan.
This land in question has repeatedly been referred to as an island. The development is not on
an arterial roadway and will have no similar density development around it. The majority ofthe traffic will utilize Kurk drive to get to Buffalo Run and this is a small neighborhood street
that is not at all appropriate for the amount of traffic that it will carry as a result of the BuffaloRun Development.
Kurk is a street that meadow creek residents use to get to the Ainsworth park. Daily you willsee children on bikes, mothers pushing strollers, runners, pedestrians and people walking dogs,
all utilizing this street. The safety and character of this established neighborhood is in danger.
The zoning board commented several times that this development would address the city’s
shortage of affordable housing and that many 30 something bozeman residents that have beenotherwise priced out of the market would be able to afford these homes. Some members of the
board seemed to suggest that the residents of meadow creek are all older and are simplyopposed to any new development. The suggestion was made that we should take advantage of
the public lands and donate to causes that protect them rather than opposing high densitydevelopment that would vastly change the character of Bozeman. I don’t really understand
this reasoning, we can all support our public lands while still wanting our communitydevelopment to be thoughtful and mindful, taking to account of what already exists here.
I urge you to take a drive to our neighborhood and really look at how the proposeddevelopment would impact the safety of the meadow creek residents and the character of this
community.
- Mollie Walnum