HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-14-21 Public Comment - C. Omland - Canyon Gate 24th September 2021
Ross Knapper
Development Review Coordinator, Community Development
20 East Olive St.
Bozeman, MT 59771
RE: Canyon Gate Development Project No: 21337
Dear Mr. Knapper,
I am writing to you as a long time Bozeman resident and homeowner on Maiden Spirit St., I am
writing to articulate my deep-seated opposition to the proposed zoning of the Canyon Gate
development (Project No 21337). While I have long expected the land located on the corner of
Story Mill Road and Bridger Drive to eventually be developed, I was deeply saddened to find that
the proposed zoning does not align with the established residential zoning of the area. I cannot
believe that the current proposal would be in the best interests of any of the surrounding
residents and communities. The proposed zoning is simply not in line with the current character
nor original intent of the area.
As an established resident of the Legends I subdivision, I can say that ongoing development of
high density/mixed use was the exact type in downtown Bozeman area is the primary reason that
we chose to move our family to a lower density and rural area where we could raise our young
daughter in a relatively quiet, safe, and nature-inspired neighborhood.
I urge the City to maintain the beauty of the established community, zoning to align with the
current development patterns for the area which would be R-1, R-2, and R-3. Small scale mixed
use should be limited to B-2 (not B-2M) along Story Mill so it is compatible with existing adjacent
developments. This would maintain the character of the surrounding areas and the intent in
which people have created their homes and chosen to live in the area specifically for. The
reasons for my opposition are numerous and include, but are not limited to the wildland-urban
interface, habitat corridor, and traffic & safety concerns of the residents.
Wildland-urban interface & habitat corridor
Using the recent wildfire in the Bridger Mountains just up the canyon from the proposed
development, the wildland-urban interface should be considered. Today, the communities of
Legends I & II, Creekwood, Headlands, and others have abundant wildlife using the quiet and
safe communities as a corridor to nearby wildlands and open spaces. High density development
will put the wildland-urban interface at risk, further pushing habitat out of their homes and the
surrounding areas. It will also take away the natural beauty and magic of the area that residents
enjoy daily.
Traffic & safety
The proposed roadways and traffic flows are in direct conflict with the safety of so many children
in the neighborhood. Today, we have a quiet neighborhood where families and children recreate
in relative safety. The proposed plan appears to ignore the original roadway plan of the
subdivision, re-routing roads directly to Story Mill, which will result in tremendous traffic and
safety impacts when you consider the ever-increasing traffic to and from Bridger Bowl. It is my
belief that with the current roadway proposal, traffic will inevitably use the proposed
neighborhood roadways to shortcut traffic delays (also considering the planned traffic light
planned for Story Mill and Bridger Canyon Drive). We have seen a distinct increase in motor
traffic and train delays in just the last few years. This proposal begs the question of proper
infrastructure for the health and safety of its residents.
In conclusion, I hope that you will consider my concerns and know that mine are representative
of an overwhelming majority of my immediate subdivision and those nearby. I ask that we limit
the zoning to R-1, R-2, and R-3 and maintain the landscapes and zoning that have been
established.
Sincerely,
Carie Omland
1593 Maiden Spirit St
Bozeman, MT 59715
(970) 347-7317
carie.omland@gmail.com