HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-23 Public Comment - A. Watson - Letter regarding proposed RA zoningFrom:ANNE WATSON
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Letter regarding proposed RA zoning
Date:Sunday, September 10, 2023 7:42:36 PM
Attachments:Letter to County re zoning.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
My letter regarding the proposed RA zoning change is attached to this email.
I trust that the Community Development Board will read it.
Best regards,
Anne H. Watson
826 South Third Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
September 11, 2023
Dear Community Development Board,
I am writing regarding the residential zoning changes proposed in the UDC draft for downtown
Bozeman. I’ve owned my home in the historic district of Bozeman for 27 years. I purposely bought in
this area because of the historic homes, the tree lined boulevards, the neighborhoods, and the parks.
The proposed zoning changes will change all of this. The residential charm and draw of downtown
Bozeman will dissolve under the new proposals. The proposed RA zone would put the economic
incentive in the hands of developers to speedily buy up longtime single-family houses and replace them
with 8-plex structures.
I am not averse to change, but this proposal moves more quickly and dramatically than required. Do not
make a new, “one-size-fits-all” RA zone. The current R1, R2, and R3 zones are working well. The new RA
zone would permit 8-plex units in any and all residential zones. Where would all these new owners
park? We are dealing well with parking now, but could not provide parking under the new RA zoning.
Would our historic homes be sold and torn down for modern block style apartments? Would our
historic homes be torn down for parking lots next to the modern block style apartments? We will surely
lose our downtown charm and draw for tourists if we go to the new RA zone. Our historical district will
dissolve.
Do you know how many people walk the neighborhoods of downtown Bozeman? I do. I live on the
corner of South Third and Harrison. I enjoy seeing all of the walkers – old, young, college age, and
canine. Locals and tourists. It is constant and year-round. Perhaps you might like to sit on my front
porch for an hour or two with me to witness this. I’ll provide the iced tea.
You might enjoy seeing the trick or treaters come to our neighborhood on Halloween. South Third is a
Mecca for youngsters. They come from all over Bozeman because of the charm, the neighborhood
decorations, and the abundance of candy, which our historic neighborhood supports. This is due to the
lovely boulevards, decorations, and welcoming family homes. My neighbor uses a clicker to count the
number of children. Last year, we had over 700 trick or treaters, not to mention their parents, enjoying
the evening. We will lose this charming tradition if the neighborhood transforms to multiplex units.
I know a lot of time has been spent by some on working on this new RA zoning plan. However, I believe
strongly that the people of Bozeman will oppose it. Please listen to us.
Vote No on the proposed RA zone.
Respectfully,
Anne H. Watson
826 South Third Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715