HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-01-23 Public Comment - L. Schulz - Comment for May 2 Gran Cielo IIFrom:Lara Schulz
To:Agenda
Subject:Comment for May 2 Gran Cielo II
Date:Monday, May 1, 2023 8:57:52 AM
Attachments:Gran Cielo II must save the trees (2).pdf
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Please see attached letter.-Lara Schulz
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners and Mayor Andrus,
My name is Lara Schulz.I reside at 3306 S.29th Ave in Meadow Creek.I am a property
adjoiner to Gran Cielo II.I have lived in Bozeman for most of my life.I am an active participant
in elections and I voted for many of you who sit as commissioners.Therefore,I ask for your
attention,your active listening and your willingness to take meaningful action toward the topic I
present to you.
According to the City of Bozeman’s Climate Plan,under Managing Land and Resources
to Sequester Carbon,there are two aspects that directly apply to the main issue with the Gran
Cielo II development,regardless of the zoning that is chosen.1)Maintain and Expand the
Urban Forest 6.P.2,and 2)Enhance Greenspace and Carbon Sequestration 6.P.3.There are
two adjacent and sizable stands of trees on the eastern end of the property that must be
preserved.The quantity of trees is in the thousands.Given the global and local carbon level
concern,it is unacceptable that healthy,mature trees might be removed for the development of
homes,but rather should be integrated and preserved in any site plan.The more mature a tree
is,the more capable of carbon sequestration.In a 40-year span of time a tree can capture
nearly 1 ton of carbon through its branches,roots and trunk.To be assured by a developer that
mature trees would be “replaced”by planting new trees is a fallacy and will be walking backward
in the effort to capture and sequester carbon.This is not a solution and should not be a
consideration.
While I do have concern with the density of housing that may occur with Gran Ceilo II,I
am far more concerned with the removal of any mature trees.I believe that with creativity and a
commitment to the City’s Climate Plan,all of the existing mature AND young trees can be
conserved and will create an extremely unique and desirable new development.There is one
thing that most new developments in Bozeman have in common…no mature trees.This creates
a sterile environment,lacking shade,birds and provides no wind buffer.These places feel stark,
very hot in the summer and more exposed to wind and cold in the winter and therefore less
efficient with the heating and cooling of homes.This is also an example of how removing shade
providing mature trees directly contradicts Bozeman’s Climate Plan.
I have shared my viewpoint as a longtime resident and now I would like to share the experience
of a newcomer…
When my parents finally retired and were able to join me and my family here in Bozeman
in 2017,they spent time looking at several single-level condos and homes.Ultimately,one place
captured their hearts.They opened the front door and could see directly back to the rear of the
home which is mostly windows.The view from those windows is saturated with aspen behind
the home.This is South Meadows,off of East Graf.I am certain the same type of meandering
road with homes backing up to a beautiful stand of aspen and cottonwoods can be
accomplished and I can imagine it being quite serene and beautiful.What it takes is you,
commissioners,holding the developers accountable to our own Climate Plan.
It is unacceptable in 2023 to even consider the removal of mature trees.These trees
have served us for decades by filtering the air and sequestering carbon.Much like houseplants
that we all care for and tend to,these trees deserve our care and our respect.They deserve
preservation.As our 11-year old daughter said to me while riding bikes last friday,anyone who
considers cutting down a healthy tree,either did not see the Lorax or they slept through it.
For the love of the trees and for the care of your residents’well-being,please enforce
your Climate Plan and make it very clear to the Gran Cielo II developers that regardless of
REMU or R zoning,they must preserve and maintain this urban forest.They must preserve all
mature trees and as many maturing trees as possible.Your action can be something of great
pride and can set a new benchmark for developers seeking to develop similar parcels of land
here in the valley.Your inaction is an affront to Bozeman’s Climate Plan and a terrible precedent
for the future.Like many adult Bozeman residents,our children are paying attention.They are
noticing environmental degradation and loss of open space.They will notice “right”action and
they will notice adults taking care of their environment.
Thank you,
Lara Schulz