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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-23 Public Comment - R. Rivers - SWMBIA - GVSLPP CommentsFrom:Jon Henderson To:Agenda Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]SWMBIA - GVSLPP Comments Date:Tuesday, November 7, 2023 10:29:35 AM Attachments:GVSLP - Google Docs.pdf FYI – submitting the following/attached comment, for the public record: Jon Henderson | Strategic Services Director City of Bozeman 406-582-2250 jon.henderson@bozeman.net From: Riley Rivers <riley@riverslandscapingmt.com> Sent: Sunday, November 5, 2023 3:37 PM To: Jon Henderson <Jon.Henderson@BOZEMAN.NET> Subject: [EXTERNAL]SWMBIA - GVSLPP Comments CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good Afternoon Jon, please find the attached public comment statement from SWMBIA for the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Plan. Thank you - Riley Rivers SWMBIA Government Affairs Committee Chair -- Riley Rivers President riverslandscapingmt.com Office: 406-570-6627 Cell: 406-560-5334 Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Plan Comments from the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association Government Affairs Committee The Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA) has conducted a comprehensive review of the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Plan. While we acknowledge the noble intention behind safeguarding the valley's invaluable resources, we harbor significant concerns regarding the plan's execution and its potential ramifications on our local community. We firmly assert that any implementation of this plan should only proceed after a thorough examination of its potential impacts. One pressing concern pertains to the plan's influence on housing affordability within the valley. We seek clarification on whether any studies have been conducted to assess the amplified costs associated with heightened regulatory measures. Regrettably, in our review of the plan, we encountered a conspicuous absence of documented impacts, studies, or quantitative analyses regarding housing affordability. We earnestly urge both the responsible group and any governing body contemplating its enactment to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of housing affordability in light of the proposed regulations. We must pose the question: Is the present moment conducive to imposing further obstacles in the construction process, especially in the face of the ongoing housing and affordability crisis? Another aspect that warrants scrutiny is the modality of implementation across various agencies and the timeline for regulatory adjustments. We staunchly advocate for collaboration between governing bodies and organizations such as ours, as well as stakeholders within the building community, to facilitate the adoption of the plan and any subsequent regulations. Our investigation revealed a marked absence of outreach to developers, builders, building associations, and other pertinent stakeholders who will undoubtedly be significantly impacted by this plan and its future regulatory framework. We earnestly implore governing agencies to consider engaging with groups like ours to thoroughly examine the implications of development and housing. While we firmly acknowledge the paramount importance of preserving the valley's natural resources and lands, we must not lose sight of the pressing housing crisis we currently face. Addressing this crisis necessitates a considerable surge in future construction to support the valley's burgeoning growth. We respectfully request that our comments be given due consideration in the context of housing affordability. SWMBIA remains steadfast in its commitment to both environmental stewardship and the welfare of our community, striving to strike a balance that ensures the sustainable growth of the valley while maintaining the affordability of housing.