HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-23 Public Comment - D. Mercer - Where's the Beef (UDC)From:David Mercer
To:engage@bozeman.net/ucd
Cc:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Comments on proposed revisions to UDC in Bozeman, MT
Date:Saturday, September 9, 2023 11:08:51 AM
Attachments:Draft for UDC letter-.docx
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Please provide supporting data which demonstrates that the proposed revisions to the UDC will
create affordable housing and minimize sprawl.
Thank you.
David Mercer
922 S. 3rd
Bozeman, MT 59715
www.MercerandSons.com 1-800-705-2828
Where’s The Beef?
The proposed revisions to the Uniform Development Code (UDC) are purportedly designed to create
affordable housing and minimize sprawl.
Lots of talk, but where’s the proof? Code Studio and the Community Development Board have offered
nothing concrete to demonstrate that major and historic revisions to zoning codes in our residen�al
neighborhoods in a rela�vely small city, experiencing exponen�al growth, will lead to more affordable
housing and less sprawl.
Common sense tells you that building in the most expensive neighborhoods will create zero affordable
housing.
In fact, recent history in Bozeman confirms that infill provided by mul�story buildings in residen�al
neighborhoods has only created luxury housing, while reducing the values and quality of life of the
nearby historic neighborhoods.
On a similar note, that same infill has done nothing to curb sprawl; it’s only goten worse, as mul�-
residen�al and commercial developments con�nue non-stop beyond the downtown.
The only concrete data we have, albeit somewhat limited, indicates that revisions, as proposed, will
produce just the opposite of desired results.
Is it worth sacrificing the quality and community of current historic residen�al neighborhoods to sa�sfy
the aims of the Montana real estate industry?
David Mercer
922 S.3rd
Bozeman, MT 59715