HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-21 Public Comment - N. Snively - Canyon GateCity of Bozeman Planning Department November 13, 2021 Re: Project # 21337 Canyon Gate Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Application #21337 Dear Members of the Bozeman Zoning Board and City Commissioners, We believe that most people would agree that change, growth and development are inevitable - and often even good. Thus, we cannot reasonably expect the parcel of land located on the northeast corner of Story Mill Road and Bridger Drive, now referred to as “Canyon Gate”, to remain as is. However, it is with great hope that those who have the power to decide the fate of that parcel, do so with consideration for what is best for Bozeman on a whole, as well as, the surrounding neighborhoods and the entrance to beautiful Bridger Canyon, rather than what is most profitable for the developers. Therefore, we urge you to consider the items listed below and lower the currently proposed density to be more aligned with the surrounding R-1, R-2 and R-3 properties. Ideally, the homes could be more affordable to the average Bozemanite than other ones in town, such as many of the existing HomeBase properties. Public safety We see public safety as one of the principal issues with the current proposal. There already exists a major safety issue with the trains blocking Wallace, Rouse and Griffin for extended periods of time, making fire, ambulance and police response impossible in both directions. With 62 more residences being built at Bridger View and plans for development at the Stockyards, adding even more traffic to this area will only worsen a problem that is already quite significant. Additionally, allowing entrances to the new development to be through the Legends at Bridger Creek neighborhood, would be detrimental to the neighborhood, making the streets no longer safe for children to ride their bicycles and adding lots of noise to the neighborhood. More and more traffic to the area will also make it difficult for one to safely walk or bike to the lovely Community Park on Bridger Drive. And why would anyone want to increase the traffic to make it harder for Bozemanites to get to Bridger Bowl – the “community ski area”? More housing + more businesses = more people. That will increase the number of emergencies, all while the added traffic will decrease emergency response time.
Habitat – Wildlife & Humans This area is teeming with wildlife – birds that include a flock of turkeys, deer, moose, weasels, beavers, black bear and more. Just in terms of more people, more traffic,
and more lights, we believe that the density being requested will negatively affect all the wildlife. Wildlife is part of what makes Bozeman, Bozeman. We love seeing those animals and knowing they have passageways through the entire area. Also affecting the wildlife, as well as us humans, would be the lack of park/open land that is being proposed, effectively eliminating movement corridors. This is a great disservice to all. One of the wonderful things about Bozeman is the network of trails such as the GVLT Main Street to Mountains, plus the number of parks. Simply stated, allowing developments to sidestep the requirements, just is not right. Businesses, tall buildings, and lots more people will dramatically increase the amount of noise, as well as, lighting. Dark sky designation is a wonderful thing that would be a shame to destroy. Noise and night lighting affects all beings. In closing, we respectfully request that you consider safety, noise, light, and the affects on all life, and zone the “Canyon Gate” property as R-1, 2, 3 to seamlessly mesh with the look, character, integrity, and quality of life of the surrounding areas. We believe that would be a “win” for all concerned. Sincerely, Nancy & Leslie Snively 2571 Maiden Star Lane Bozeman, MT 59715