HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-23 Public Comment - E. Moffett - RA Zoning - Doesn't fit for the working classFrom:Erin Moffett
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]RA Zoning - Doesn"t fit for the working class
Date:Monday, October 9, 2023 3:44:21 PM
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Hello to whoever is reading this,
I understand the need for more housing and the rationale behind the proposed R-A zoning.
However, without proper oversight of who will be purchasing these properties, convertingthem into apartments/condos, and who will then be buying them, we risk worsening an issue
we're already dealing with – overpriced housing dominated by vacant second homes andAirbnb rentals owned by the wealthy.
I arrived at MSU in the early 2000s and have since established a career based in Bozeman. I've
always wanted to buy a home here, and despite years of hard work and reaching a positionwhere I'm earning more than ever before, the dream of owning property is out of my reach. It
feels as though the incentives for property ownership are for those who are already wealthy orown multiple properties, rather than offering a fair opportunity to first-time homebuyers like
myself who have lived in and loved this community for most of our lives.
Without adequate oversight, I am concerned that the new R-A zoning would accelerate thistrend. It could lead to the loss of the core historic districts that everyone holds dear, fail to
provide an opportunity for first-time homebuyers to acquire property at reasonable prices, andcontribute to the displacement of low-income families.
We need to gain deeper insights into who will truly benefit from these zoning changes.
Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like the working class of Bozeman will be among the primarygroups that will reap the benefits.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate it.
Erin Moffett