HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-03-23 Public Comment - R. Rasker - opposition to Zone RA designationFrom:Ray Rasker
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]opposition to Zone RA designation
Date:Monday, October 2, 2023 7:27:21 PM
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I am writing to voice my opposition to the city’s proposal to combine zones R-1, R-2 and R-3
into a new Zone RA designation. I understand that part of the logic of this proposal is to
encourage the development of multi-family dwellings and by doing so provide more
affordable housing. I also understand that the pressure for the rezoning initiative is in part due
to recent changes in state law. I doubt, however, that this proposal will lead to affordable
housing. Given the recent record of the city, what we can expect instead is what has already
happened, which is that single family homes will be demolished to make room for luxury
condos, AirBNB rentals, and other types of developments with prices that are beyond the
reach of the average working family. The last thing Bozeman needs are more soul-draining
Andy Holloran style of developments that cater to the rich. The last thing I want next to my
house is a four-story building with luxury condos.
Bozeman has three years to find ways to adhere to House Bill 259. I encourage you to
continue to study ideas for how to create affordable housing, and in theory this could include
a provision for higher densities in existing neighborhoods with single-family housing. However,
what you are proposing now will not get us there and will likely result in more expensive
housing at the expense of historic neighborhoods.
Ray Rasker
Ray Raskerrayrasker@gmail.com
406 570-7044Bozeman, Montana