HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-23 Public Comment - J. Lowe-Anker - UDCFrom:Jennifer Lowe-Anker
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UDC
Date:Tuesday, October 3, 2023 3:06:42 PM
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Dear Bozeman planners,
As a longtime Bozeman resident and a member of five generations of Montana family, I have profound attachment
to my home state and our community. I realize that change is inevitable but I am deeply concerned with the way in
which our valley is changing and growing without regard to history and sustainability, especially since we are in
climate crisis. I believe that we need to preserve our historic buildings, open spaces and neighborhoods and protect
them from rampant infill, modernization and destruction of character. Yes we need to make housing available for
the people who are the fabric of our community. We do not need any more modern highrise apartments that are
primarily owned or occupied or in most cases sitting empty by investors, speculators and outsiders. They are
leaching the life out of our community making it impossible for nurses, teachers and restaurateurs to find affordable
living. Is it any different than the copper kings? No. It is any different than the bank fraud that sent our economy
into recession 15 years ago? No. It is the uber wealthy being handed Montana on a silver platter. Here, Halloran!
Have your way with us. Wreck neighborhoods and build things that noone can afford to live in, are ugly and ruin
our views of the mountains which is why we live here. This valley cannot become Denver or even Boulder. That is
tantamount to saying, Lets destroy this last best place and wipe out biodiversity as if climate change isn’t doing it.
It’s fine for tourists to come and go but we need strict VRBO policy and a new tax structure. By doubling or tripling
taxes on all nonresident owners and investors, the community could easily bring in enough money to renovate
existing structures that sit empty or create thoughtful smaller homes and apartments that reflect the real community
values. Not mansions! Oh and , lets just say that MSU is plenty big enough. Growth does not always equal progress.
Pay the professors more and raise out of state tuition. So….I am shocked that this is even an issue that you thought
you could slide by our community. No to urban creep and no to becoming Denver! No to a Unified Development
Code. Let me guess. Hallorans idea! Hasn’t he already wrecked enough of our once charming and beautiful city?
Jennifer Lowe-Anker
401 W Curtiss
Bozeman Mt
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