HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-21 Public Comment - M. Wiseman - Canyon Gate Development ProposalFrom:Mike Wiseman
To:Ross Knapper
Cc:Agenda
Subject:Comments on application #21-337
Date:Wednesday, September 22, 2021 10:53:37 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.
Hi, RossI'm writing to voice some concerns regarding the annexation and zoning amendment for the
parcel at Bridger Drive and Story Mill, titled Canyon Gate. I do not oppose development ofthis lot and know that it is inevitable, but I do oppose the proposed zoning layout. My biggest
concerns are:
Infrastructure: Rouse is struggling to keep up with traffic load right now, and Bridger
View and Story Mill/ Stockyard developments have not come online yet. Perhaps thesingle biggest obstacle is the uptick in train traffic and length of trains that, as of late,
have completely stopped on the tracks blocking 2 or even all 3 crossings. Evenwithout the trains, Rouse traffic is beginning to back up from the Oak intersection in
both directions. Increased traffic along Bridger drive is influencing this, as isadditional traffic from Story Mill/ McIlhattan coming into town. Train delays by
themselves present a life-safety issue with emergency response traffic, but I'm notlooking forward to the ski season traffic this year with the overall increase in area
residents.Density: The proposed density, specifically R5 and REMU is inconsistent with
existing patterns and presents too abrupt of a transition between the very rural Bridgercanyon and the moderately dense Bridger drive. The proposed uses are more suited to
areas that are either building on a similar existing density, or are going to beappropriate as an area builds out and bridges a connection to another area of density,
neither of which apply here. This area is a transition from moderate density to lowdensity to agricultural/ forested. R3 should be the maximum density for residential,
and B1 the max for business, limited to Story Mill Rd where adjacent to like-sizeddevelopment. There is no reason, or need, for this area to be more dense than its
surroundings.Open space: The intent to use Cash-in-Lieu for green space would be unacceptable
given the existing nature of the surrounding developments and the critical riparianconnections between Bridger Creek, Story Hills and the new park/ preserve. I realize
land is at a premium, but the cost to buy out of green space and parkland is laughablegiven current market rates for finished housing units.
Affordable housing: As an architect that has worked on some larger developments, Ican guess there will be a cash-in-lieu for affordable housing as well. I am not opposed
to any type of housing for affordable housing, but looking at the apartments at theCannery, simply providing denser housing in a given area is not going to put a dent in
the needs for housing in this town - we are well beyond being able to build our wayout of it. There is simply too much market pressure at the moment (and for the
forseeable future) to think an increase in supply will slack demand enough to driveprices down. I know this may not be addressed at this time in the process, but if there
is any argument from the applicant for a higher zoning based on getting affordable, oreven attainable, housing, I don't see that as valid in the current and future Bozeman
market.
Thank you so much for taking these comments into consideration.
Mike Wiseman1465 Maiden Spirit Drive
Bozeman, MT