HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-20-21 Public Comment - W. Williams - Canyon GateFrom:WENDY L WILLIAMS
To:Ross Knapper
Subject:Canyon Gate Development Project No: 21337
Date:Monday, September 20, 2021 1:38:29 PM
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Dear Mr. Knapper,
I am writing to you as a concerned Bozeman resident to express my opposition to the
proposed zoning of the Canyon Gate development (Project No 21337). While it is understoodthat the land located on the corner of Story Mill Road and Bridger Drive would eventually be
developed, the current proposal is not in the best interests of any of the nearby residents andsurrounding communities nor does it align with the current character of the area.
We were one of the first families to live in the Headlands subdivision on Virginia City Court.
There is so much wildlife in that Bridger Road Corridor. Besides White Tail Deer, there areBlack Bears that frequent the area on a regular basis. It was my understanding that at one time
in the planning boards long range plan, Viewsheds were an important part of the planningprocess. From the development in the downtown and surrounding areas, it appears that View
Sheds are not being considered. We live here so that we can see the mountains. Yourapproval process is eliminating the beauty of the mountains. There is only one way in and out
of Bridger Canyon from Bozeman. The 2020 fire showed us how dangerous that can be. Re-zoning this area will create a bad traffic scenario and it is not in alignment with the existing
zoning regulations.
I urge the City to maintain the original intent and natural 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 iscompatible 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 livein 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 ofthe residents.<BR><BR>Wildland-urban interface & habitat corridor<BR>Using the recent
wildfire in the Bridger Mountains just up the canyon from the proposed development, thewildland-urban interface should be considered. Today, the communities of Legends I & II,
Creekwood, Headlands, and others have abundant wildlife that use the quiet and safecommunities 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 thesurrounding areas.
Traffic & safety
The proposed roadways and traffic flows are in direct conflict with the safety of so many young children and active residents in the neighborhood. The proposed plan
appears to ignore the original roadway plan of the subdivision, re-routing roads directly toStory Mill, which will result in tremendous traffic and safety impacts, especially if you
consider the ever-increasing traffic to and from Bridger Bowl. There has been a distinctincrease 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 and community
members.
In conclusion, I hope that you will consider my concerns and know that mine arerepresentative of an overwhelming majority of the immediate subdivision as well as the
surrounding communities. I ask that we limit the zoning to R-1, R-2, R-3, and maintain thelandscapes and zoning that have been established.
Sincerely,Wendy Williams