HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-21 Public Comment - T. Meyer - Bozeman CoHousingFrom:tamara meyer
To:Susana Montana; Agenda
Cc:frankinbozeman@live.com
Subject:Site Plan Application 21096 comments
Date:Monday, October 18, 2021 10:04:49 PM
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Concerning Application number 21906
Hello Susana Montana,
I would like to voice my concerns about the “Co-Housing” development proposed for 3120
Wagon Wheel. I regret not learning more about this proposed community earlier. As the
design has become finalized, I realize it is much more extensive than originally described and
understood by many of my neighbors. My concerns are listed below.
Building #2
The “Community House” should not be given a variance to depart from county or city
code as requested. The actual size on the architectural drawings is 151ft. This is more
than a 25% increase from regulations. This design was obviously drafted with no regard
to R-3 zoning size restrictions. The developers either assumed the city building
department would let it go, or they did not educate themselves on the codes for this
type of structure.
The architectural drawings indicate this is mostly another dwelling unit with a very small
portion dedicated to community use.
I also would like to verify that this atrium portion of the structure proposed will not
create any light trespass. I can envision it becoming a glowing pyramid at night
interfering with our dark sky neighborhood.
This atrium type structure will also create numerous bird collisions and death.
Additionally, the atrium space is labelled an unconditioned space. The heat gain in this
area several months of the year will be unbearable, and I surely wouldn’t want to be
under it during a hailstorm.
The Community House design should not need to include a high-rise atrium or be so
large that it needs adjustments to the city/county code.
By approving this oversized building the city is setting a precedence for future
development that the rules and city codes, need not be considered. The next
development will also want to create oversized buildings or request other modification
of codes regardless of neighborhood standards or zoning restrictions.
Lastly the size, height, and materials of the “Common House” are inconsistent with the
character of the neighborhood. This structure needs to be redesigned to adhere to
zoning rules and common sense. The variance request needs to be denied.
Building #11 and Development Parking
This cluster of garages should be considered one building. This cluster exceeds the 130 foot
structure length restriction. One garage unit should be removed. However, with seventy-nine
parking spaces there is probably not enough to accommodate the 43 residences. There is zero
room calculated for guest parking. I can only imagine Concord and Heritage Drive will become
“parking lots” for guests to the Co-Housing development.
A guest parking policy needs to be established. Parking rules need to be clearly communicated
and enforced by the Bozeman Co-Housing ownership. Documentation stating that parking is
not allowed on Wagon Wheel or the south side of Fieldstone needs to be included in the HOA
documentation. Additionally guest parking should be discouraged in any adjacent
neighborhood streets. Guest parking should be included in the site plan.
Traffic
I have found no traffic study documentation. These additional 43 units and their occupants
basically quadruple the density structure of either Heritage Dr., or Silverwood cul-de-sacs. I
am concerned during high use times there will be considerable backup at the three-way
intersection of Wagon Wheel, Graf, and South 3rd. Additionally it is imperative that stop signs
are installed at both roads exiting the Co-Housing area onto Wagon Wheel. Before any
development is allowed a traffic study needs to be completed and any additional changes to
roads or intersections needs to be borne by the developer.
Sidewalks
For safety and accessibility there needs to be a sidewalk installed in front of the Co-Housing
area which extends all the way to the three-way intersection. Without a sidewalk there is an
impediment to walking for the cohousing inhabitants which will create more congestion and
safety issues for the entire neighborhood. It should not be required that Co-Housing residence
cross Wagon Wheel (with no intersection or crosswalks) to have use of a snowplowed and
maintained walkway. The Bozeman Co-Housing development needs to be required to pay for
the construction and maintenance of sidewalks along Wagon Wheel on the West side of the
development to the corner of 3rd and Graf, and not be reliant on the sidewalks that belonging
to the Westfield Park HOA.
A bike lane should also considered.
Garden Shed
I am perplexed why they have decided to remove the original house but are keeping the old
barn/equipment building in the prime view area of the property. This is where a single level
Community House, Garden, or greenspace should be established.
Landscaping
I would like to request tree and shrub species designated to be planted are of the most
mature size allowable for successful cultivation to expediate the screening and beautification
of parking areas and garages. Unfortunately, our living room view will now look across to a
parking lot and garage sheds instead of an open pasture which often included horses.
Overall Density
It is my opinion that this Co-housing development which originally started out as an
acceptable and quaint idea has turned into what will be a larger and more densely populated
area than most imagined. The property is now designed to maximize the developers monetary
gain with limited consideration to established neighborhoods and those who have chosen to
live in this area of Bozeman, paid taxes and invested life savings in their properties.
This area should be developed as single-family housing similar to the majority of the
neighborhoods within this area.
Sincerely,
Tamara and Frank Meyer
112 Heritage Dr.,
Bozeman, MT 59715