HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-03-23 Public Comment - M. Wolfe - Proposed residential neighborhood codes (UDC)From:Mary Ellen Wolfe
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Proposed residential neighborhood codes (UDC)
Date:Tuesday, October 3, 2023 11:31:59 AM
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Dear City Council and Staff,
As 40-year residents and homeowners living at 420 West Curtiss (in the "so-called Historic
District), we write to oppose the proposed changes to R-1, R-2 and R-3 codes. We are stunnedby what the proposed UDC Zone R-A changes would do to older neighborhoods like ours.
Weunderstand that increasing density in Bozeman's core is a priority. We understand that
affordable housing is a huge concern and need. Unfortunately, the proposed changes wouldincrease density at the cost of the character of our neighborhoods. And the argument that such
dense development would create affordable housing is highly debatable.
We abhor the thought of a 3 story multiple dwelling unit right next door for a number ofreasons. For one, parking would become an unbelievable problem in places like our
neighborhood, which is already packed with parked cars. I know this from living here for 40years, right next door to a large rental property that has 8 bedrooms. Insert a 3 story building
with at two or three times that number of bedrooms and you'll have to start leveling otherneighborhood houses just for parking.
We are also very puzzled that standards and regulations for the character of homes in the
Historic District seem to no longer exist. New, modern black box homes are becomingcommonplace in my neighborhood, changing and debasing the old historic nature of our
neighborhood. (A number of them sit empty a good portion of the year.)
Please reject the new proposed UDC changes and go back to the drawing board. Take the timeand take seriously a renewed effort to involve the public in the new development process.
Look harder for other models of ways to attain more affordable housing. We have heard fromreliable sources that Missoula, for example, is taking meaningful steps to create more
affordable housing. As you do these things and adopt new zoning, please do your utmost toresist sacrificing the character of our older, historic neighborhoods to attain density targets and
affordable housing objectives.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen & Tom Wolfe
420 West CurtissBozeman, MT 59715
Mary Ellen & Tom Wolfe