HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-16-23 Public Comment - J. Osman - Do not rewrite zoning codes to benefit developersFrom:Juliet Osman
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Do not rewrite zoning codes to benefit developers
Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 1:29:51 PM
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Dear City Commissioners,
Do not rewrite the zoning laws to benefit developers under the guise of "social justice." I have
lived in Bozeman since 2000 when I graduated High School here, and I am lucky enough toown a single family home here. We love our South West neighborhood. I have seen so many
positive changes in the last two decades, Bozeman is becoming a more diverse and engagingcity, a better place than ever to raise a family. Of course there have been growing pains as
well.Affordable housing is one of these crises. Several years ago the commision changed the
zoning laws to allow for more density in the downtown areas close to Main St and College.Since then there has been an explosion of multi story apartment units replacing single family
homes. These luxury condos are all over Zillow for anywhere from half, to one and a halfmillion dollars. They are not affordable, they are not inclusionary, they do not add diversity to
our neighborhoods. I believe in allowing Bozeman to grow, but to do so at the cost of it's character is ridiculous.
Density is only going to work if the commision requires that the dense places are really livedin. That means a ban on short term rentals and forcing developers to include truly affordable
housing in all of their properties. It does not mean allowing every neighborhood to be torn upinto a "blend" of half empty luxury apartments, Air BnBs and single family homes.
Sincerely,
Juliet Osman