HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-15-21 PUblic Comment - N. Drew - Canyon GateFrom:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, November 15, 2021 7:11:54 AM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:11/15/2021 7:11 AM
Response #:1295
Submitter ID:45816
IP address:2600:1006:b1dd:7bf8:dcd9:afb9:b835:b66a
Time to complete:1 min. , 4 sec.
Survey Details
Page 1
Public comment may be submitted via the form below, or by any of the following options.
Public comment may also be given at any public meeting.
Email:
agenda@bozeman.net
Mail to:
Attn: City Commission
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
First Name Nicholas
Last Name Drew
Email Address Nickdrew2000@gmail.com
Phone Number 6034386281
Comments
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed zoning associated with the Canyon Gate
development (Project No 21-337), located the at the corner of Story Mill and Bridger Drive. I recognize it is
early in the application process but implore on the City of Bozeman (City) to acknowledge the family-
oriented, low-density residential nature of the area. I expect many more residents and concerned citizens
expressing similar concerns on this project.
As indicated in the power point presented to the City, as well as to the neighboring HOA boards of Legends
II subdivision, the applicant is proposing to Spot Zone this parcel for their interest in high-density residential
and mixed-use commercial. The proposed zoning designation of R-5, R-3, and B-2M is completely
incongruent with the neighboring land-use and would be detrimental to the area.
We understand that this property will proceed with the annex application and ultimately be developed, but
as immediate neighbors to this development, we disagree and challenge the proposed zoning designations
associated with this application for the following reasons and hope the City work with the Applicant to
address:
1. Proposed zoning is inconsistent with character of area
We understand that the applicant is proposing an R-5 high-density zone. This development is inconsistent
and incongruent with the feel and character of the neighborhoods and Bridger canyon area. This parcel is
surrounded by three sides by R-1, R-2 and R-3 (R-S) zoned development. This in-fill development should
match the existing development patterns for this area to make a cohesive community feel.
In addition, this area is a prime example of a terminus area, limited to the outskirts of town, and should
maintain the low-density character of the area. Higher density housing is more consistent with city centers
and not terminus outskirt areas. Apartment complexes and/or other high-density residential developments
do not match the rural, low-lying residential developments of the area.
2. Inconsistent street development
As proposed and shown in the presentation, the streets proposed are not continuous with the currently
dead-ended streets in the abutting neighborhoods (see Weeping Rock Lane). When the Bridger Creek,
Legends at Bridger Creek I and II neighborhoods were designed, it was anticipated that the flow of R-1 or R-
2 development types would continue into this undeveloped property. This precedent is shown by the street
ends. This new development would not use the existing flow of streets (e.g., street along story mill) and be
again, inconsistent with neighborhood design.
Also, pertaining to the traffic evaluation and studies that are associated with the application, the proposed
street layout is nothing short of lazy. The connection to Maiden Spirit Street and Northview Drive are only
added to address the exceedance of traffic standards. If this type of development were approved as
proposed, traffic impacts would be significant and detrimental to first responders and other health and
safety issues.
3. Spot Zoning is illegal
This application is a classic example of Spot Zoning and subject to law and ordinances pertaining to spot
zoning. Spot zoning should be ruled invalid as an "arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable treatment" of a
limited parcel of land by a local zoning ordinance as indicative of this application. When annexing a
property into Bozeman, the developer should not spot zone the property as choosing. As you know, the
planning community is against this type of zoning, and creates inconsistent development types and lacks
community character. This rezoning is providing unjustified special treatment that benefits the
developer/applicant, while undermining the pre-existing rights and uses of adjacent property owners.
Again, this is a clear instance of spot zoning.
4. Open space requirements
Based on the early site plan, the development footprint does not meet the Open Space and Park Lands
requirements in accordance with Bozeman zoning design standards and an in-lieu fee program should not
be used in this instance. The applicant needs to account for stormwater and parkland and should not be
overlapping in use. This area is a known wildlife corridor between Story Mill and the Bridger foothills and
development and density should account for this.
Recognizing that this parcel will be developed, I implore the City consider the above items and impose on
the developer during this annex and zoning process the following recommendation
to ensure a safe and smart development of the Canyon Gate Property:
1. Zone the property as R-1 (low density), R-2 (moderate density) and/or R-3 (medium density) zoning at
the maximum to match the abutting neighborhoods.
2. Limit height restrictions to 30 feet to protect the viewsheds of neighbors. Many medium and high-
density complexes are known to exceed 36 feet and this type of development would have significant
viewsheds impacts of the Bridgers and immediate area.
3. Ensure open space requirements set forth in Table 38.320.030.C of the Zoning Ordinance without the
use of the in-lieu fee program.
4. Design roads that meet the needs of the immediate area as well as the proposed development.
We urge you to deny the proposed rezoning, and request the developer revise their application to an R-1 or
R-2 zoning with a limited maximum a R-3 zoning density and adhere to the above-mentioned
recommendations. Nearly all residents in the surrounding neighborhoods are wholly opposed to the
addition of high-density (R5), multi-family housing and mixed commercial use (B-2M) and envision this
application will receive a great deal of opposing comment.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Drew
If you would like to submit additional documents (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .gif, .jpg, .png, .rtf, .txt)
along with your comment, you may alternately address agenda@bozeman.net directly to ensure
receipt of all information.
Thank you,
City Of Bozeman
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.