HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-21 Public Comment - B. Dolen - Bridger MeadowsFrom:Brian Dolen
To:Agenda
Subject:Application 20350, 20351 Bridger Meadows Public Comment
Date:Monday, July 19, 2021 12:21:08 PM
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Application 20350, 20351 Bridger Meadows Public Comment
Sadly, it seems we are a community at the mercy of developers. Our Planning Commission’s
self-stated mission (6/21) is to approve development because we are in a ‘housing crisis’ in
Bozeman. This unfortunate rhetoric is in direct opposition to the true role of the Planning
Commission: to represent the community at large, be unbiased in regard to the proposals and
consider the overall impact to the community. Clearly the Planning Commission came to the
meeting with a bias, to approve development at all costs.
Approving the relaxation of six codes sets an unhealthy precedent in our community allowing
developers to bend the rules to suit their needs. We are not talking about bending rules to
create affordable housing or in-fill downtown. We are talking about sixteen homes for the
wealthy on a riparian zone, on a public trail system, straining an already busy residential road
while putting a street in people’s backyards and taking away the charm and beauty that
defines the neighborhood.
Curiously, this development has been justly vetoed multiple times in the past. My question is
what has changed? I have a few guesses:
1. The neighborhood has grown older. Many of my neighbors could not figure out
how to attend the planning meeting. In-person meetings on this matter were strongly
attended in the past.
2. A general lack of information on the development as mailers were strategically
mailed to only the adjacent properties.
3. The outspoken head of the Bozeman Creek HOA passed away. She was a strong
voice of opposition.
4. A grow now, figure it out later attitude in Bozeman.
5. A drought. The water table has temporarily changed.
6. A lack of true community planning.
7. An unhealthy regional popularity and growth
A permanent development should not be approved by taking advantage of situational factors
such as the above while bending the codes and the Commission in its favor.
Thank you,
Brian Dolen
1050 Boylan Road #4