HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-21 Public Comment - T. Niemann - Canyon GateFrom:Thomas Niemann
To:Jacob Miller
Subject:Canyon Gate Project (#21337) Concerns
Date:Monday, November 8, 2021 5:10:33 PM
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To Zoning Commission,
My name is Thomas Niemann. I am the Chair of the Legends Townhome Owners Association
(THOA), and a resident of Legends 1. We are in the process of collecting signatures against this
development as currently proposed. In the meantime, I share the following concerns.
Quite simply, our community (as defined by the existing neighborhoods along the Boylan street
corridor) does not support the annexation and proposed zoning of this property. That said, we
believe a R-1, R-2 and/or R-3 with a section of B-1 along Story Mill Road and Bridger Drive is
more in line with the goals outlined in the 2020 Community Plan. The zoning designations
requested by the developer of R-4/R-5/B2-M are not consistent with those goals. The reasons for
our concerns are as follows:
This is a “core” type project which is far from the city core, and not at all suited for the area
proposed.
Unlike any other developments in the city, there is no buffer between current R-1 neighborhoods
and what is proposed by the developer. This would be an unwarranted precedent and create
undue burdens on the existing adjacent neighborhoods.
Increased traffic in the area as a result of the proposed development will likely route through the
Boylan neighborhoods, presenting safety risks to current residences and reducing the walkability
of the area.
The proposed project does not blend into the current neighborhoods, and is a poor fit for an area
of R-1 and R-3 residences.
We would dearly hope the zoning commission, and city, is asking itself, is this the type of
development we want as the gateway to the Bridger Canyon area? We find it difficult to believe
this is representative of Bozeman’s goals to retain the character and image of the city.
According to our conversation with the state, there are no near-term expansion plans for the roads
(the state roads of Bridger Drive and Rouse) around this site and traffic is already an issue on
Bridger Drive. Given the density of traffic already occurring on these thoroughfares, particularly
when Bridger Bowl is open with new snow, this proposed development would create an untenable
situation.
Train traffic causes multiple closures on a daily basis, with no reasonable way to get around the
crossings. This limits access by emergency services, slows response time, and causes additional
traffic congestion. We just recently had an experience of this situation as police were delayed by a
train when responding to a home invasion situation within the Legends townhomes (o/a the
evening of 15 October).
We understand there are multiple existing and planned business districts in near proximity to this
site. Additional retail/commercial space in this area would create an undue burden on the existing
neighborhoods.
At a minimum, the Boylan-area community would like the following if this area is developed:
- Buffer area between the development and the existing Boylan-area community.
- No through traffic into the existing neighborhoods.
- Lower density, and no greater than two-story structures consistent with the surrounding
neighborhoods.
With these concerns in mind, we therefore respectfully, but ardently, request you consider the
potential, and likely, adverse impacts this zoning decision will have both on the surrounding
neighborhoods and overall character of Bozeman. R-1/R-2/R-3 and B-1 zoning furthers the goals
of the 2020 Community Plan, while limiting the negative impacts to the surrounding community.
Respectfully
Thomas A. Niemann