HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-16-23 Public Comment - B. Rogers - Opposition to proposed zoning changes for residential neighborhoodsFrom:Brian Rogers
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Opposition to proposed zoning changes for residential neighborhoods
Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 8:01:22 PM
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Agenda@bozeman.net Sept 19,2023
Bozeman Residential Neighborhoods under Threat!
A 9/2 Chronicle article outlined proposed changes to our residential building codes. A codingconsultant from Austin, Texas, is trying to convince the Community Development Board that current,long-standing residential development codes (R-S, R-1, R-2, and R-3) should be combined into onedistrict called R-A. For example, this proposal would allow two-story, eight apartment developmentson city residential lots.
This proposal to increase affordable housing and infill density will likely forever change the character
of single-family neighborhoods in Bozeman. I understand the dilemma facing city officials on this
issue.
In 2021 I was hospitalized for three weeks at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital (BDH) with a life-threatening surgical emergency. I received care that was second to none. I was on the BDH stafffrom 1980 to 2014. I can recognize outstanding health care.
The #1 concern of the nurses, and other professional medical staff members who worked so hard
during COVID to ensure my recovery was affordable housing. I was shocked to learn many
healthcare workers, despite competitive salaries, were forced to leave Bozeman because they could
not afford to live here! Has Bozeman become so ‘Gucci’ that the best healthcare team in the state
has attrition because of affordable housing? However, is destruction of single-family housing
neighborhoods the only solution?
I have lived in Bozeman since 1980. I raised my children in a much different city. All residents arenow impacted by traffic jams, which are exacerbated by parking lanes crammed with cars due toinadequate City on-site parking requirements.
The Commission surely realizes that Bozeman is in the crosshairs of out-of-state developers. Their
focus should be making developers pay to play, not the residents who have and will continue to
support our community.
This zoning proposal will open Pandora’s Box of unintended consequences. Established residentsare already paying higher city taxes, facing devaluation of their property, and dealing with overflowparking on residential streets. Is an increase in drug-related crimes our next worry?
Nothing less than the ambience and tranquility of established residential neighborhoods is at risk
here!
Sincerely yours,
Brian Rogers, M.D.
Bozeman, MT