HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-13-23 Publice Comment - K. Clark - midtown urban renewal district commentFrom:Kelsey Clark
To:Agenda
Subject:midtown urban renewal district comment
Date:Thursday, July 13, 2023 10:43:14 AM
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Commissioners,
I am writing in response to the proposed amendment of the Midtown Urban Renewal Plan,
in support of some areas and in opposition to others.
Existing “blight”, as defined by someone interested in developing for profit, is the only
affordable housing in Bozeman. There is no way to pay market value for property, demolish
something that exists, build a new structure at current costs, and profit without spending
massive amounts of money. This results in expensive property for sale or rent. For this
basic reason, I oppose including any existing residences in the district expansion. We have
little control over what property owners decide to do when developing or upgrading their
property. With housing that is affordable even by Bozeman standards as scarce as it is, we
should not incentivize its removal from any location. There are very few tools available to
preserve or create affordable housing, let’s not promote removal.
Another resource that is becoming scarce in Midtown is parking. While density is the only
way to get a functional and efficient city, it’s also a tough life without a car in a cold climate,
a life that basically nobody chooses. I ride my bike all the time, but I’m not giving up my car
either. We had a roommate with no car for a year, he saved up and bought a car. It’s not
what’s being decided on in this expansion of the district, but please consider reinstating a
parking minimum for new projects in the district. One case that has worked fine is parking
where demand is highest at different times of day. The Whittier School and surrounding
businesses are busy during the day, and a good portion of that parking has emptied by the
time a concert is held at the ELM.
Infill, multi-modal transport and infrastructure are goals that I agree with and have been
pleased to see the investments made in them within Midtown in recent years. The proposed
expansion of the district is mostly infill lots, which are perfect to benefit Midtown investors,
residents and visitors. I support the inclusion of these areas into Midtown Urban Renewal
District.
Thank you for your hard work over the years and for considering my comments.
-Kelsey Clark