HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-23-21 Public Comment - T. Niemann - Canyon GateFrom:Thomas Niemann
To:Ross Knapper
Subject:#21-337 - Proposed Development - Bridger Drive/Story Mill
Date:Thursday, September 23, 2021 5:36:16 PM
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Mr. Knapper,
I am writing to share my thoughts on the proposed Canyon Gate project.
Bozeman is a special place. Too many overcrowded developments in the city and surrounding area are changing
that characterization. Bozeman has a unique small town feel which is rapidly being destroyed by high density
developments and poor community planning. The proposed mixed residential and commercial high density plans
proposed for the Bridger Drive/Story Mill property is a glaring example.
On a very pragmatic level, one only has to look at the neighborhoods which would be directly impacted by this
proposed development. The natural and social environment of this community would be irreparably harmed by the
introduction of business establishments and high density residential units. Traffic congestion increases alone are
beyond the current road infrastructure; particularly if one considers the added impacts when there are three new
inches of snow at the Bowl. Without enforced eminent domain actions on private lands, it is difficult to envision
how to increase Bridger Drive into a four, if not five lanes (center turning lane), to accommodate the proposed
development. Without expansion of the road, the proposed development will overload the current road's capacity.
There is also the problem of introducing so much additional paved space to the area. The stormwater drain system
in Legends I (One) (not connected to the City’s storm water drain system) was designed based on the area for
proposed high density development remaining a green space. The capacity of the current Legend I cannot handle
the increase. So the City will either need to mandate a similar system/requirement for the proposed development or
provide the funding required to expand the Legends I system. The City approved the Legends I system in the 2005-
6 timeframe. It is not realistic to expect the Legends I residents to accommodate an unprecedented change to this
previously approved system design.
Additionally, regarding the proposed annexation of 2103 Bridger Dr to the City for R-2 zoning. These are some
points to consider with regard to an action item voted on by the city commission (9/23). I do not know the outcome
of the vote. Regardless, this property abuts Legends Alley around Richau. The routing of City utilities to this
property will be by tapping off the easement utilities in this private alley. The utility easement is most probably on
the north side of the alley. (Water, sewer, elect, gas and CATV). Again, this is a private alley, and to encroach
across it (possibly multiple times) to provide City services to the adjoining County properties has not been approved
by the neighborhood HOA Board nor have the alley residents been notified of this possibility.
Has the Commission ascertained whether or not the annexed property owner intends to construct access to the
property through the Legends Alley? By all accounts, the neighborhood has every right to deny access to these
abutting County properties. It is important to understand why the adjoining landowners have not been advised of
such a request. So the question remains, how will City utilities will be brought into this property?
I am not opposed to development. I am opposed to development which makes unnecessary and destructive changes
to existing neighborhoods and communities where residents made purchase decisions based on nature and quality of
the community. This is not good planning. This is not keeping good faith with the people it is your job to serve.
Very respectfully,
Thomas Niemann
2579 Weeping Rock Lane
Bozeman, MT