HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-23 Public Comment - S. Lawson - Southside zoning change proposalFrom:Scott Lawson
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Southside zoning change proposal
Date:Sunday, September 17, 2023 9:58:20 AM
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Hi,
I'm writing in opposition to the proposed zoning change to the historic neighborhoods
of Bozeman. I am in favor of infill and I also realize the need for affordable housing
in Bozeman. Making changes to allow up to three stories and twenty-four units is a
major mistake in the historic district. I live in the southside and am surrounded by
college student rentals. I can tell you that adding more rentals will adversely
affect parking in our area - especially during the winter months when the
streets become more narrow due to snow accumulation. Additionally, in my experience
of living near MSU for 23 years, the renters rarely, if ever, use the garages that they
have. When students rent, they tend to park on the streets and use their garages for
game & party rooms or storage. This already creates crowded parking on our
residential streets.
The southside has historically been made up mainly of single family homes. The
character, charm and pride of ownership these multi-generational occupants have
displayed over many years has given the historic neighborhoods something that
Bozeman should be proud of. Renters typically don't have the same pride of ownership
and that is reflected in the appearance of those buildings.
I have a question for all of the city planners: how many 3 story/24 unit complexes
would be needed to really have an impact on the affordable housing situation that
Bozeman is experiencing? On the flip side, how many of these same units would
destroy the charm of our historic neighborhoods? My answers to the questions would
be that many, many of these complexes would need to be built to actually have a
significant impact on our housing situation and very few would need to be built to
totally destroy the character of our historic neighborhoods.
This is a mistake of historic proportions. Please don't be the planning commission that
destroyed the charming neighborhoods of Bozeman. When we think of what makes
the town of Bozeman a special place, it's our historic downtown and neighborhoods
that make us unique - not the sprawl of the west side of town. Please don't destroy the
magical city we call home.
Sincerely,
Scott Lawson
405 West Cleveland St.
-- Scott Lawson DDS