HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-23 Public Comment - M. & M. Hamilton - Recently proposed zoning changes to the historical districtFrom:MartyMary Hamilton
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Recently proposed zoning changes to the historical district
Date:Friday, October 6, 2023 10:43:11 AM
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Dear Bozeman City Commission,
We oppose adoption of the recently revised Urban (or Unified) Development Code (UDC).
The city should not impose such sudden drastic zoning changes. We recommend a more
deliberate and considered evaluation of the issues and of the effects on individual
homeowners. We urge the city to resist the one-size-fits-all, micromanagement edicts from
the legislative and administrative branches of the Montana state government. Downgrading
the few acres in Bozeman’s historic district will do little toward solving the housing crisis in
Gallatin County.
We have lived in our present home since early 1971. Initially, the house was in bad shape
and the VA wouldn’t approve a loan unless we fixed things. So we rented the house, then
worked hard at repairing and painting. Within the year we secured a VA-approved loan.
Over the 52 years since, we steadily have invested our time and money in improving the
property. At each step we met Bozeman City’s stringent requirements. Our efforts were
recognized. In 1998, the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board gave us a Historic
Preservation Award for Excellence in the category of Compatible Accessory Structure. This
year, we received rebates from the city for completion of a landscaping investment that
replaced turf with xeriscape. Until now, the City consistently signaled that our efforts were
improving the community.
But the City now appears to forget those signals. The City Commission’s proposed zoning
change to Bozeman’s historic district is an unconscionable reversal of policy. It discourages
historic preservation and diminishes our half century of investment in the community. Our
well-intentioned efforts and prudent investments will have been for naught. That scenario is
heartbreaking. Based on recent conversations, it is clear that our neighbors will be harmed
similarly by the abrupt change in direction imposed by the UDC.
Please consider the negative effects of the policy reversals you are proposing. They will
reduce Bozeman’s long-recognized ambiance by diminishing a major historical attribute.
They will subdue the positive community spirit that makes Bozeman so appealing. How can
the Commission expect future cooperation from Bozeman residents if it suddenly reverses
critical long-standing policies? Don’t do that. Instead, we ask that you take the time
required to arrive at fair and just policies, to fight state government overreach, and to
preserve the widely heralded social/environmental fabric of Bozeman. (376 words)
Sincerely,
Martin and Mary Hamilton
309 S 6th Ave