HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-21 Public Comment - M. Reily - Buffalo Run App. 21076From:Melissa Reily
To:Agenda
Subject:Opposition to Buffalo Run Annex
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 6:57:03 AM
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.
April 20, 2021
Dear City Commissioners,
I have been a homeowner in Meadow Creek subdivision for nearly eight years. I am a Montana native, amother, and a physician. I oppose the Buffalo Run Annexation and Amendment of the City Zoning Mapfor the establishment of a zoning designation of R-4, Residential High Density District as currentlyproposed.
I have read through much of the 79 page Staff Report and I appreciate the great effort and time that youall put in to the critical work regarding Bozeman’s growth. I am deeply concerned that the Buffalo RunAnnexation as currently written endangers the safety, health, and wellbeing of the children and adults inthis neighborhood.
The Staff Report mentions a number of criteria that must be met in order to determine that “the positive
outcomes of the amendment outweigh negative outcomes.”
I would like to bring attention to Criterion C. I would argue that this proposal does NOT align with
Criterion C “Promote public health, public safety, and general welfare.”
-The “health and general welfare” of a community depends on more than just the basicinfrastructures such as sewer services, and clean water. Physical safety, mental health, the ability toexercise and play safely in outdoor spaces, and opportunities to safely gather, are all vital aspects of thehealth of our community.
- The proposed entry and exit via Kurk Drive is unacceptable and does not support these aspects
of well-being. The proposed annexation will remain unsafe until Kurk is removed as the main entrance
and exit to this proposed development.
-Please consider the effect of noise pollution, air pollution, and fear of one’s own safety and that
of one’s children when considering welfare of a community. Fresh air; quiet spaces; safe places to walk,
play, and gather are critical components of true health and well-being.
-Up to 1100 automobiles per day traveling down Kurk is simply unsafe. In addition, this may be
an underestimation. There is mention that if this number is met, an additional road can be constructed.
Where? Will this be built through our park, further threatening our open spaces and community gatheringareas, and significantly endangering our children?
-The report mentions the importance of preserving the character of the nearby neighborhood.
Our character is one of safety, community, gathering, fresh air, and safe areas to exercise and play. This
development, if the current entrance and exit on Kurk remains, threatens all of these aspects of our
neighborhood character.
-The report implies that many of my neighbors commute by foot or bicycle to work, and that this
decreases traffic in our neighborhood. There is mention of expanding side walk access in order to cut
down on traffic. In nearly eight years, I can count very few times in which I observed more than 1-2
bicyclists per week in and out of our community commuting to work or school. This neighborhood is not
located in an area where this is feasible, and I would like to see these estimations of traffic recalculated to
reflect the reality of this neighborhood and our location.
Many of my neighbors have dedicated countless hours to researching this project and have alreadyeloquently articulated many of our concerns. These concerns address many of the other criteria whichfocus on preserving the nature of neighboring communities, water supply, zoning concerns, and locationof this development. I refer you to their thoughtful letters.
It is my hope that you all will proceed with care and intention as we face the growth of Bozeman. Please
continue to thoughtfully consider the health, safety, wellbeing, and longevity of those of us who already
are living and working in Bozeman and who care deeply about ensuring that Bozeman continues to be
the very best place to live.
Respectfully,
Melissa Reily, MD6169 Blackwood RdBozeman, MT 59718