HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-23 Public Comment - T. Wells - Zoning_ UDC OverhaulFrom:Tom Wells
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Zoning: UDC Overhaul
Date:Wednesday, September 27, 2023 9:49:26 AM
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We are long term homeowners on South 3rd and we are concerned about the current direction
of the zoning changes that would impact this area. In particular, rolling R3 into a new RAzoning means that we could see 45' tall condos on our blocks with huge footprints. Even R2 at
24 residents is huge. Perhaps you will require parking lots beneath the buildings? Where willthey park? How many accidents will result from the increased traffic? Will kids still be able to
walk to school safely? A duplex next door is already fully parked out with 4 cars and more.These changes would profoundly shift the nature of the neighborhood and be destructive to the
genuine diversity of the emerging city. The southside neighborhoods are the jewel in thecrown of Bozeman. Do not destroy them.
Moreover, the city commission has recently made significant changes to enable more ADUsto be built. It is too soon to assess the impact that these rules will have on the availability of
rental units near the city core. Please take the time to study the impact of the ADUs beforeracing ahead with rules that will guarantee far more significant impacts to the neighborhoods.
True ADUs do not give a big boost to developers but they certainly create diverse rentalhousing which is more likely to be more affordable than the luxury condos that we see on the
North side. We have witnessed neighborhoods close to commercial areas that are swallowed by rapid
growth without regard for the historical nature of the homes or the integrity andgenuine diversity of the urban area. The results are a total loss of history and mix of income
groups that cannot be reversed. In addition, if these changes proceed, they will drive out the people who have spent their
careers in Bozeman and wish to retire here. The only housing here will be vacation homes,homes for the very wealthy and a smattering of places available for people with service jobs.
The middle will be driven out. The commission must consider not only affordable housing buthow to preserve the middle income people struggling to remain in their homes who are already
facing exorbitant real estate taxes.
Gale Farnsworth Smith and Tom Wells623 S 3rd Ave.