HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-23 Public Comment - G. Thompson - UDC revisions and proposed incremental step allow _illegal_ rentals in R-1.From:George Thompson
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UDC revisions and proposed incremental step allow "illegal" rentals in R-1.
Date:Tuesday, October 10, 2023 12:41:30 PM
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October 9, 2023
Mayor Andrus, Commissioners, City Manager, David Fine;
RE: RA Zoning, Specific problems with the proposed UDC modifications.
Please deny the proposed RA Zoning designation for Core Bozeman areas. Ourneighborhood water and sewer infrastructure can not handle the increased density withoutadditional neighborhood bondsfor sewer upgrades. Thus contributing to City imposedincreased rents.
Simplify by allowing ALL existing “illegal” (basement/upstairs) rentals in R-!to be legal.
The areas most impacted by the proposed RA changes are the older, historical appearance,smaller readily accessible to downtown homes. ALL other areas are controlled by theirHome Owners Associations (HOA). This UDC change will fundamentally restructure theolder Bozeman homes. Resulting in simple scrape and build more units, at higher marketrates.
At this time it would make more sense to simply grandfather in existing“illegal” rentals in R-1 areas. Also allow up to 3 units in existing footprint ofhomes in R-1 zones be legal with simple one page application by fulltimeoccupancy property owner.
This will provide legitimate rental income which banks would accept as additional incometo earned income for mortgage qualification. Thus making more homes affordable
Concerns:
1-Already the local insurance agents have seen a spike in reverse mortgages due to largeincrease in both property taxes and insurance impacting our residents cash flow. The
holders of these mortgages are simply investors who will cash out and sell the property to the
highest bidder as owners pass away. The current long term mortgage interest rates are quitelow compared to the !0%-15% annual appreciation of Bozeman properties. Continuallypushing envelope of affordability.
2-Infrastructure costs: Already the City quietly sends out notices to existing residents ( usuallyrenters) stating need to vote for replacing curb and gutter not mentioning sewer
replacements requiring increased cost for special assessment of +$100 per month for 20
years. The project is approved if too few people vote against it. Renters then face andadditional $100 monthly increase for no discernable change to their apt or home.
3-The proponents of RA zoning have never owned/occupied a single home next to an 8 unitbuilding. The increased traffic, noise, tenant turnover and decreased property value is whyone will sell their home and move to an area which has protective zoning and covenants.
We all make a choice where to live. If one chooses to work 50-60 hours a week and pay forliving in a quiet area and raise their family we, as a community, should not interfere. This RA
Zoning Change will blatantly tell them to now accept housing in a high density area which is
not conducive to a quiet family life.
Take a simpler path, vote no to UDC modifications and support legalization of rental unitsin R-1 homes.
Thanks,
George Thompson, Bozeman, MT, a current resident, 40+ years as Bozeman homeowner