HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-23 Public Comment - K. Cowles - new zoning codesFrom:Kalani Cowles
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment on new zoning codes
Date:Monday, October 9, 2023 8:55:19 PM
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I am a born and raised Bozeman community member and resident of downtown for 13 years. I
am highly opposed to the proposed new zoning codes. My downtown neighborhood has
dramatically changed for the worst in the past 5-7 years. Cute family homes have turned into
short term rentals, entire blocks into high rise apartments and many lots into luxury second
home duplexes. I no longer have the neighbors I once did. Those who would strike up
conversations while walking, lend a cup of sugar, check on your dog, or reside in their home
year after year. Most of the new Bozeman owners don’t live in their home or rent them out on
a short term basis. That has changed my life and the lives of other natives for the worse. The
changes to the zoning code to allow for additional density in downtown will only perpetuate
these undesirable neighborhood transformations.
The city of Bozeman published its Economic Vitality Study which was distributed by the
Downtown Bozeman Association 1 day after a prominent developer in Bozeman was quoted
stating the complete opposite to the core values of the study.
The Economic Vitality study beautifully states the story of Gallatin Valley, a story that I feel
connected with and that I feel does speak to the nature of the true community and resident
members of Bozeman. “A unifying factor across the Valley is a culture of grit, smarts, and
strong work ethic that encourages entrepreneurs to thrive and innovation to emerge. This
forward-thinking population prizes sustainable practices and solutions to shift climate change
with an understanding that precious natural resources (e.g., water) and the tourism trade
depend on a healthy environment.
The residents of Gallatin Valley respect hard work and diverse individuals that reside year-
round in the community and are committed to sustainable long-term growth. Wealth is
defined by a personal lifestyle that affords the ability to live, educate, recreate, and commune
in Gallatin Valley year-round.”
The developer comments on the proposed luxury hotel residence building, The Ives, in an
article published by the BDC on August 1st, “The idea is more for a short-term buyer who may
be in Bozeman a few weeks a year and then the remaining time they place their home into
the hotel inventory and generate revenues,” Holloran said. Joy Vance, a managing partner at
brokerage firm The Agency, said the model is becoming more popular in the real estate
market.”
The new zoning code supports the values stated by the developer and real estate agent not
that of the City's Economic Development Plan. Increasing density is only going to increase the
desire for short-term buyers who want to generate revenues for an investment. The values of
the developers are driven by entitlement, exploitation of the city codes and greed with the
intent to maximize profits off every inch of our community. This is completely misaligned with
those of the desired economic future of Bozeman. Please don’t allow our city to become a
developers' gold mine where additional density allows for more “luxury” investment
opportunities and not meaningful homes for residents and members of our community.
Kalani Cowles
104 East Story