HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-07-23 Public Comment - T. Kipfer - Comments on 22047 (Sundance Springs)From:Todd Kipfer
To:Lynn Hyde; Agenda
Subject:Comments on 22047 (Sundance Springs)
Date:Wednesday, June 7, 2023 12:47:57 PM
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I have reviewed the site plan and associated documents for the planned development at
Sundance Springs Subdivision Phase 1B, Commercial Lot 2. I strongly oppose this
development. We recently purchases a home in Sundance Springs and value the engaged
community, open character, and peaceful lifestyle. Having lived in Bozeman since 1990, we have
seen far too many developments rushed through without reasonable consideration to how the
development would impact homeowners and citizens. In this case the parcel in question was part
of the PUD and meant to complement the neighborhood. Nothing about this proposed
development compliments the neighborhood.
1. The specific planned uses should be specified. How can the community understand potential impacts or
benefits without that specificity? Also this out of the blue 10 day comment notice feels unfair. Something is
not right with how this is rolling out. I will also note that until recently the city’s online GIS data showed
the 2 Sundance Springs PUD business parcels as R-S zoning. As a home buyer, we relied on that
information. Please stand by it.
2. The site design clearly identifies large outdoor patios. The only reasonable use for those patios
is dining and drinking. If that is the case, this development would be devastating to the nearby
Sundance Springs homes as well as the extended neighborhood. Half of the neighborhood
mailboxes are at the intersection of Peace Pipe and Little Horse Dr. I would not feel safe getting
mail right next to what will likely be an outdoor drinking establishment with intoxicated patrons
watching as homeowners get mail. That’s not safe. The trails and sidewalks are well used by
walkers, cyclists, and kids going to the middle school. This kind of development would make the
area unsafe for those uses. And what would be the hours of business operation? Evening and
night operation would ruin quality of life for local homeowners with traffic, parking, likely spill over
parking onto neighborhood streets, outdoor noise, outdoor lights, etc. How can the city approve
development that destroys quality of life and decreases property value? There is no “greater
good” associated with this proposed development.
3. The extensive nearby Blackwood Grove development includes significant business space.
That’s a walkable location from Sundance Springs. This planned development would likely
duplicate business services there. More is not better.
There are far better options for this parcel. Additional residential development would be the best
usage, but if the city lacks the will do that, I encourage you to look at an area like Fairway Drive
and the neighborhood-compatible business there. That type of business usage with low impact
day-use would at least have some potential to compliment the neighborhood. Sundance Springs
has a diverse mix of homeowners, from retired people to young families with children. Many of us
do not drink and have no interest in having tourist trap restaurants and drinking establishments in
our backyards, destroying the values of a unique and rare neighborhood.
Please reject this development proposal. Even in boom town Bozeman, quality of life for
citizens and homeowners should matter. You can do that.
Todd Kipfer4004 Rain Roper Drive