HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-23 Public Comment - T. Harps - Unified Development Code ChangesFrom:Todd Harps
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Unified Development Code Changes
Date:Saturday, September 30, 2023 3:57:45 PM
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Hello,
What the heck are you thinking? Changing Residential Zoning Codes to allow up to 8 units on a lot is the
height of poor urban planning with no evidence that the increase in units will lead to more affordable
housing.
Developers have one goal and that's to make as much money as possible. They only build "affordable"
housing when they are either forced to by the zoning, subsidized by favorable rezones (see the Canyon
Gate fiasco) and or given financial/tax incentives to do so.
Making this change turns every R Zoned lot into a development site. This will lead to a gold rush as
developers compete to buy as many single family properties and building expensive town homes,
especially in the close in neighborhoods north and south of downtown. There will be aggregations of lots
adding to the density but not affordability of the new housing stock. Many reasonably priced rental
properties will be torn down. Where is everyone going to park, the streets are already packed, especially
in the winter.
Please slow down and reconsider this half-baked idea. Between the Canyon Gate annexation and
substantial up zone and this rushed change, it's looking like the developers have been exerting even
more influence on the Land Use department. This doesn't have to be done in such a hurried and radical
fashion.
I've been a real estate professional for 40+ years, so I have years of experience in these matters. City
Commission, SLOW THIS RUSHED EFFORT DOWN!!!
Regards,
Todd Harps
Woodland Realty Services, Inc.
PO Box 7060
Bozeman. MT 59771
206-310-1112