HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-23 Public Comment - C. & R. Pickard - Unified Development Code - Public OpinionFrom:rap4@hush.com
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Unified Development Code - Public Opinion
Date:Tuesday, October 3, 2023 4:56:33 PM
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Dear City of Bozeman,
We are writing to inform you that we are admittedly against passing the Unified Development
Code (UDC).
We are long time residents of downtown Bozeman and own a construction company of over 20
years in the city. Being in the industry, we understand that there is a housing shortage and
solutions need to be short coming to deal with the growth. We also understand that MT
legislature is requiring urban development plans. However, this hasty approach to the problem
does not represent the residents of Bozeman nor is it being approached in the right way in
regards to the downtown residents. Downtown residents should have a voice in the process and
be presented with a number of options that take their interests into consideration and that include
solutions for other aspects of the problems we face in our fast growing city that has limited
infrastructure and appeals to the wealthy. As we all know, the downtown area will and has been
effected the greatest by this large multi unit development.
The last thing we need is more high income housing that drives up the housing market and taxes
our infrastructure. We have not solved the affordable housing problem in our city that is
evidenced by many next generation Montanans moving out of the state, single family households
having to stay in renting lifestyles, not enough housing for the working class, and a collection of
junk campers vandalizing our city. We are unable to fill jobs at the hospital, the university, law
enforcement, schools, etc. due to the affordable housing shortage. The Downtown Improvement
District that was implemented by the city has only landed us with million dollar lofts that sit empty
most of the year and that are driving up our property taxes. Our taxes have quadrupled since
buying our home in 2009.
We need leadership that is willing to take a stand at the outrageous ravishing of our hometown
and that offer solutions and priority to our more pressing problems named above. We want to see
housing solutions for our greatest needed sectors and not opportunities to the wealthy sectors.
This is not in the best interest of our communities and is seriously damaging the future of
Montanas.
Sincerely,
Cory and Ronda Pickard
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