HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-23 Public Comment - D. Suit - Chapter 38, Unified Development CodeFrom:Donald Suit
To:Agenda
Cc:Donald Suit
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Chapter 38, Unified Development Code
Date:Tuesday, October 10, 2023 5:53:55 PM
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Dear City Commission and Community Development Board
I am totally apposed to the proposed changes to the UDC changing zoning to
RA, allowing change of use development within already established
neighborhoods.
I live at 1220 South Black Ave, Bozeman. I am a practicing professional engineer that has had a 50
year career in the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of large infrastructure
projects.
Changing zoning to already existing neighborhoods will most likely have negative impacts to the
social, economic and environmental aspects to the neighborhood, and community as a whole.
From my experience, you do not propose or make these changes without short to long term analysis
of what the changes will do to the neighborhood and community. It is my understanding that
these analyses have not been conducted or addressed. Without this information, the proposed
changes to the community could be drastic.
Releasing the DRAFT zoning changes on August 14, 2023 and proceeding to have the Community
Development Board vote on the zoning changes on October 16, 2023 is huge risk to the community
in not hearing everyone’s concerns or recommendations to the proposal. This process is way too
fast and great errors can and most likely will be made.
I have been to the public hearings. It is obvious within the community at the first public hearings
there is a ratio of about 1 for to 25 against the proposed changes. The Board and Commission have
to be very aware almost no one wants these changes. Social media addressing this issue the ratio is
much greater, about 1 for to about 100 against. Granted historically those in favor of something
seldom speak up and the majority against usually speak up. However, in my many years of doing
engineering projects, seldom have I seen such a broad interest against the proposed zoning
changes. In fact, this is most likely the greatest negative response I have seen in my career.
The proposed changes will impact the neighborhoods and the community as a whole. It is my belief
the impacts will be negative and not positive. I suggest the City Engineering Department conduct a
study and estimate of how the proposed changes will impact the existing transportation, parking,
water and sewer systems. Three of the major impacts to expansion is the existing infrastructure,
water resources, and existing land. You cannot continue to add buildings and people to an already
defined space without serious issues.
Already established neighborhoods do not want additional impacts to their neighborhoods. Just
listen to the public at the hearings and within social media. Many purchased their property based
on existing zoning. Many purchased in an area with defined zoning requirements. If allowed,
some neighbors and neighborhoods will be severely impacted. You can assume there will be legal
challenges if a neighborhood or neighbor is impacted with negative social, economic or
environmental issues.
Being at the public hearings and from social media, no one seems to like the new high rise housing
that will soon be everywhere near downtown. In fact when you drive by, you have to dodge people
and cars, just to drive by the new areas. There is a fear that the proposed multi unit developments
within existing neighborhoods will be similar let alone being next to one of the buildings.
If I can be of assistance to the city in this process, please let me know. I could provide my thoughts
and experience to the city.
Sincerely
Donald James Suit
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