HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-23 Public Comment - M. Visser - Comment on Proposed Residential Re-ZoningFrom:Mindy Visser
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Comment on Proposed Residential Re-Zoning
Date:Tuesday, October 3, 2023 1:56:20 PM
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To Whom it May Concern,
I am extremely disappointed in the lack of forethought and communication with the Bozeman communityregarding the re-drawing of zoning codes in Bozeman. These codes lack foresight for the future of ourcommunity and the beauty of this city.
I have been a resident and a homeowner in Bozeman since 2015. I own a home in an R-2 district and
currently purchased a new home in an R-4 district, both of which are in the downtown corridor. While I
understand the challenges that come with a growing community and the need for affordable housing, the
opportunities that will be afforded with these thoughtless zoning changes will not create affordable
housing but will continue the obtuse building of luxury apartments with insufficient parking available for
downtown residents and visitors alike.
Fundamentally I agree with the idea of creating greater density in downtown Bozeman, and there are
ways to do this that do not threaten the beauty and charm or our downtown. The disregard for buildings
that are historically designated, the lack of consideration for properties that will lose value, sunlight, street
parking, and privacy is outrageous when there are plenty of individuals downtown who are more than
willing to create space on their current property for more in-fill (within existing code). Currently, I have two
rental properties, including a portion of my current home, that are rented to local tenants. These rental
properties allow me to live in Bozeman as an active community member, and to support others to do the
same, despite the high cost of living.
Given that the city cannot (see House Bill 259), and HAS not sufficiently required developers to create
below market housing in Bozeman, the changes in zoning will not address the issue of affordable
housing. The new zoning proposal would, in fact, allow for increased infill in downtown that would
displace established single and multi-family homes and create increased parking problems in an area.
The changes to our downtown corridor have already caused frustrations to our residents and visitors alike
that no longer wish to visit downtown main street. For a city that thrives on tourism and visitors from
outside of town, this will certainly not be good for the financial future of our town.
Also interesting regarding the new zoning codes is that single family homes located in subdivisions withprotective covenants would be able to override the new building codes. Is it any surprise that theindividuals who are designing these codes live in such neighborhoods? Do you think these individualswould love a four story 24-unit building to be erected a mere 5 feet from the side of there homes? I thinknot. The privileged individuals who have already put stressors on our city utilities and environmentalecosystems by building further and further outside the city center, are ‘protected’ from any loss of landvalue, privacy, space, and impact on their neighborhood/community.
The proposed changes to zoning are not well thought out and seem to be rush-job in order to bypass
community inputs. Bozeman needs a thoughtful plan for housing and we have time to make those
changes. House Bill SB382 allows for three years to implement urban planning strategies, and there is
opportunity to make smart and considerate choices from an extensive menu of urban development
options.
While not an urban planner, I would love for the city to propose zoning and incentives that allow for local
community members, not developers, to benefit from urban infill. Many US cities have successfully
developed ADU incentive programs such as those described in this article
https://villahomes.com/blog/adu-aid-programs/. I, for one, have space for an ADU and would love to build
one on my current downtown property—if only for the funds! I would also love to house a tenant who
cannot currently afford rent in Bozeman. Bozeman was once a city that had a healthy socio-economic mix
which created healthy schools, healthy business, and healthy neighborhoods. Let’s bring that Bozemanback!
I will be at the Community Development Board meeting on October 10th to protest the current proposal to
re-draw the zoning codes for residential neighborhoods in Bozeman. It is far past due for the city to be
thoughtful about its development. We have the opportunity to make this city even better then the way we
‘found’ it.
Thank you for your kind attention,
Mindy Visser