HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-17-21 Public Comment - M. Kraska - Canyon GateFrom:Matthew Kraska
To:Agenda; Jacob Miller
Subject:Canyon Gate Zoning - My Comments
Date:Wednesday, November 17, 2021 2:00:51 PM
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Hello City of Bozeman.
RE: Comments for Annex/Zoning of Canyon Gate (story mill rd. and bridger
canyon dr.)
A little bit about me: Matthew Kraska - 2218 Snow Flake Court (Headlands
subdivision) since 2006.
Former business owner (Play It Again Sports); MSU Graduate ('93); Dad of fourchildren all graduated from the Bozeman School District (and a few from MSU).
Here are my brief comments regarding the annex/zoning proposition by HomeBase
Partners.
Bozeman development is necessary and expected. For a vast majority of the
development projects to date, I applaud the city for their growth decisions - it is not
an easy job. Furthermore, I appreciate the city putting forth its vision and sticking toit while attracting development and balancing the interests of developers. Thankyou.
Because of the city's decades-long visioning and planning documents - pluscommon sense - decision making is easier. Simply stated, let planning documentsand common sense instruct your decisions for the zoning of this 24acre parcel at the
NE corner of Bridger Canyon Drive and Story Mill Rd.
HomeBase Partners have done so much to improve derelict properties in Bozeman.I applaud their work. Similarly, I applaud the city's ability to steer HBP's projects in
a way that works for the site, the city and the community. Tall buildings belong
downtown; high density belongs near city center, etc. The City's past projects with
HBP have been well executed.
Here are a few of my thoughts about the Canyon Gate project:
1. Zoning Density: please look at the scale of the surrounding area when making
your decision. I think HomeBase should be allowed an area-appropriate scale anddensity. Your common sense will hopefully get them a maximum allowance (but
probably not as dense as they are asking).
2. Stop Light or Round-About: This is a dangerous intersection and it needs help
(with or without any development there). Traffic needs to be slowed (to 35mph) all
the way to the M Trailhead.3. Traffic - I'm not too worried about the impacts on traffic related to a 24acre
development (at any density or type of use). Traffic to Bridger Bowl in the winter,
and the M/KickingHorse trailheads and the Story Mill Park year-round have a far
greater impact, today and in the future, than this development will have. Traffic inthis area will need to be addressed by the city, but it shouldn't direct the densitydecision for this project.
4. Affordable Housing: I believe that has been taken care of in the Story Mill park
across the street. All the other existing houses in this area are NOT affordablehousing and while I'm not opposed to affordable housing in my neighborhood, Iwouldn't expect the city to plop it in the middle of nowhere just to prove a point. I
would expect development on that site to have "luxury" units -- this neighborhood is
all "luxury" units (isn't everything at today's prices)!
5. Open Space: HomeBase should provide open space to mirror the neighborhood.It's common sense and pretty simple.
6. Wildlife Corridor: Sorry, but my house and everyone in my neighborhood
"ruined" the wildlife corridor starting 20+ years ago. This topic should not influence
the zoning or development decisions.
I support HomeBase Partners -- they are good for Bozeman -- and I appreciate your
willingness to work with them to get outcomes that match the city's planning vision.
Thank you for your time.
Matthew Kraska
2218 Snow Flake Ct, Bozeman, MT 59715
539-3657