HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-15-21 Public Comment - L. Carter - Please Consider Denying Canyon GateFrom:Louisa Carter
To:Agenda
Subject:Please Consider Denying Canyon Gate
Date:Wednesday, December 15, 2021 9:57:56 AM
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December 15, 2021
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
I love this town. Since I visited Bozeman 15 years ago and have become a resident, I havebeen equally as energized by the positive aspects of growth as well as concerned about
preserving the open space, history and character our town. While at first glance the argumentof high density housing and walkable neighborhoods may seem like a win-win solution for
sustainable development and housing diversity, if you look closer, listen to the arguments ofthe residents throughout Bozeman who disagree with this proposal and carefully consider the
important facts about existing infrastructure and safety concerns, this proposal would be aliability for existing and future residents. The increased traffic pressure and density on the
edge of town would not only overwhelm the current infrastructure, but it would take awayfrom the reason people enjoy coming to this part of town: to retreat from the busier urban
streets, to access the outdoors within minutes from downtown, to gaze upon the open spaceand the historic buildings of Story Mill, a reminder of where Bozeman began not too long ago.
These are important facets of what makes Bozeman unique; I would proceed cautiously beforepermitting zoning with large impacts that will be indelible with the proposed development of
Canyon Gate and beyond. I do support the annexation at a maximum zoning of R-3 and B-1.The requested zonings of B2M and R-5 are incompatible with existing land uses, and local
infrastructure is entirely inadequate to the density, intensity of use, and activities allowed inthese zoning designations. Please consider the following arguments in more depth:
--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->Inadequate infrastructure to support High Density—impacts traffic, pressure and overall health and safety of residents
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a. <!--[endif]-->North Rouse currently has marginalfunctionality with intermittent, frequent failures due to train crossings and
Bridger Bowl traffic.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b. <!--[endif]-->Existing safety concern of separation
from emergency services by railroad tracks on L street, Griffin and Rouse (emergency response time with closure 20 min).
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c. <!--[endif]-->Railroad traffic expected to increase asprojected by MRL.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->d. <!--[endif]-->New area building (Stockyard, BridgerView, Law & Justice Center) already underway to increase traffic in future.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->e. <!--[endif]-->No viable improvement plan to address
these needs (overpass/underpass studies).
<!--[if !supportLists]-->f. <!--[endif]-->Hawthorne Elementary School already at
capacity
--[if !supportLists]-->2. <!--[endif]-->Zoning and maximums
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a. <!--[endif]-->The requested zoning designations wouldallow for 65% (~16 of 24 acres) to house multi- story buildings with 100% lot
coverages and could include uses such as hotels and 40,000 sq ft retailestablishments that would be clearly inappropriate to the area.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b. <!--[endif]-->R-3 is the recommended zoning allowingfor higher density housing than existing surrounding R-1 or R-2, allows for
more housing diversity (row houses, duplex, townhomes)
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c. <!--[endif]-->Bridger View is zoned as R-3 and was
intended to be a more appropriate use of land throughout the jurisdictional areabecause it is an appropriately scaled residential neighborhood that complements
the park and is respectful to surrounding existing neighborhoods.
--[if !supportLists]-->3. <!--[endif]-->Incompatible with existing development
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a. <!--[endif]-->The needs of new and existingdevelopment coexist and remain in balance; neither should overwhelm the
other (Bozeman Community Plan)
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b. <!--[endif]-->Proposed R-5, REMU and B2M would
change nature of land use too abruptly, allow high density and tall buildings,bring in more development than is wanted and nor is supportive to this unique
area.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c. <!--[endif]-->High density residential and commercial
development with inadequate open space will have negative impact on wildlife,nearby residential areas and on transportation with increased human/wildlife
car incidents possible on Bridger Canyon and Story Mill roads.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->d. <!--[endif]-->Significant commercial development
exists nearby. Greater trade area will bring in more outside traffic which willnegatively impact traffic pressure.
--[if !supportLists]-->4. <!--[endif]-->Affordable housing and current housing needs
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a. <!--[endif]-->Was not designated in HomeBase
proposal, nor TBD.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b. <!--[endif]-->Insufficient evidence that this
development will meet needs of housing crisis; no promise of Holloran’srecent bid for 10% workforce housing; site plans can change and zoninglasts.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c. <!--[endif]-->Plan presented to HOA gave impression
of luxury condos, townhomes, associated retail to serve, will only exacerbateexisting housing crisis of drawing in wealthy out-of-state part time residents,
taking housing away from locals, young professionals.
--[if !supportLists]-->5. <!--[endif]-->Character of district
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a. <!--[endif]-->Impeded views of the Bridgers andhistoric Story Mill will change the character of this unique district that
Bozeman locals look to for reference and access regularly for recreation.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b. <!--[endif]-->This is technically the edge of town; it is
the entrance to the Bridger Mountain range and signifies leaving a more urbancrowded space and entering a more wild and open space. Bringing more high
density residence and commercial spaces would indelibly change this spot oftown for all residents.
Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration,
Respectfully,
Louisa Carter
Creekwood Resident