HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-23 Public Comment - G. Werner - Zoning and UDC QuestionsFrom:Gina Werner
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Zoning and UDC Questions
Date:Monday, October 9, 2023 3:39:08 PM
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Hi there,
I have been looking up information on the new zoning and Unified Development Code
proposals. I cannot seem to find anywhere where the 14 or so options that cities could choosefrom are listed. Can you please let me know where those can be found?
I will be attending the meeting tomorrow night to learn more, but definitely have concerns
regarding what is being proposed. I realize that the state removed Bozeman’s ability to requireaffordable housing as part of any development, so I do sympathize that you have limited
resources at your disposal to address affordable housing. That said, what is being proposedseems like it will do very little to address the housing issues that locals are facing and will
very much favor developers and homeowners / buyers that are not FT residents. AND it coulddestroy the character of Bozeman.
My fear is that by reducing development restrictions without the ability to require affordable
housing, the infill will be luxury condos and townhomes that are not occupied for much of theyear and negatively impact full-time residents. It just feels like residents of these
neighborhoods are not being heard, but developers are being catered to.
From what I have seen, it appears all development codes have been relaxed and zoningchanged which makes it feel like a free-for-all and that not much thought or effort has been
put into this to try and balance the interest of current residents with the need for future housingsupplies. It seems like more time and effort should be made to make sure the new infill
developments fit in well with the current neighborhoods. I think a lot of people have focusedon height requirements and that feels reasonable to maintain current limitations. New builds in
my neighborhood are already incredibly tall and it is not to accommodate more units orpeople, but to accommodate the desires of the rich second homeowners. And it feels like this
is a sign of the future - that these relaxed codes will not benefit locals looking for housing,they will negatively impact current residents of the neighborhoods and allow rich developers
and buyers to get exactly what they want regardless of impact.
I know it is a difficult situation, but please spend some more time balancing the interestsbetter.
Thanks,
Gina Werner
Gina Wernergina@mainspringproduct.com
www.mainspringproduct.com303.827.1053
Bozeman, MT