HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-23 Public Comment - C. Kellerr - _No Good Work is Done in a Hurry_From:Colleen Keller
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]"No Good Work is Done in a Hurry"
Date:Monday, October 2, 2023 7:36:47 AM
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Dear City Commissioners:
I am writing to endorse pausing on new growth, and in protest of the proposed revisions to the
UDC. A recent letter to the editor of Bozeman Magazine authored by Steve Kirchoff capturedthe relevant
approach: "No Good Work is Done in a Hurry”. This echos comments from meetings fromboth commissioners and the public. It is acknowledgement that the pace of development,
particularliy on the North Side, is so rapid that a community cannot assess the real impact orthe future vision of our neighborhoods. And, what we all have learned, without question, is
that new development is not creating housing opportunities for any working Bozemanites.
A short list of valid reasons to pause this process:
New development is not creating housing opportunities for working Bozemanites. They are luxury condos for part time visitors.
High rise development and poor transitions between buildings has erased the ability forpeople to interact while coming and going; creating a community where folks do not
know their neighbors.New buildings do not maintain boulevards; and are non-contributors to small green
spaces important to the health of all residents.Developments block sun which allowed residents to have small gardens. Green space
and gardens are tied to citizen health. There does not seem to be any community funding for ‘stay in place’ living for seniors,
even while there is is shortage of senior communities.Property tax increases are incredible, and we can’t fund quiet railroad crossings or
another library and pool. We are underfunded without building continuing.We have already sent teachers, policeman, other key employees out of the city for long
commutes… is this who we want to be?
Residents have identified key issues that deserve consideration and deeper responses beforebuilding continues, including:
Aggressive management of short term rentals.- illegal and a policy to address.Addressing an increasing unsheltered population- more than the camping ordinance.
Expanding shelter services - so we are not limited by state law.Addressing the traffic bottlenecks of the train tracks- and what will happen on Bridger
Drive ..
Residents' frustration is both palpable and justified. We need a new, stronger engagementprocess which makes participation easy.
There has been no presentation of the value of the code changes to residents. There hasnot been evaluation of strategies implemented in other communities facing
unsustainable growth- for instance the change in St George, Utah’s taxation for nonresidents. Perhaps there should be a fund for the modest homes whose property values
are plummeting because a high rise has come in next to them? Can building industryemployers be engaged in housing their employees?
Other towns, such as Charlottesville, VA, have used processes with mobile boards andcolored stickers to allow residents to vote and prioritize, without sitting through lengthy
meetings. Simple, but effective at engaging those with time, or a language or culturalbarrier to attending long meetings in city hall. Lets build engagement tools that work.
This is a time to listen, and to change the process. We have three years to comply with state requirements.
A town without housing for residents, increasing homelessness, overtaxed police andover worked teachers is NOT A STRONG COMMUNITY; regardless of how great the
outdoor opportunities are. Because I am advocating for change; I am happy to volunteertime and energy where it is needed.
Thank you for the time you have invested; this is a difficult time to lead a city.
Colleen KellerBozeman City Resident