HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-24 Public Comment - G. & S. Vidmar - Harper's Corner Annexation •
Greg and Shannon Vidmar
2210 Watts Lane
Bozeman, MT 59718
January 19, 2024
Bozeman City Commission
121 North Rouse
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
Re: Written Protest to Harper's Corner Annexation,Application 23127
for R4 (Residential High Density) zoning
Dear City Commissioners:
Gregory B. Vidmar and Shannon M.Vidmar are the owners and joint tenants
in common with right of survivorship of the residential home located at 2210 Watts
Lane, Bozeman, MT. We have lived here for 22 years. This property is in direct view
and with-in 100 feet of the proposed Harper's Corner Annexation,Application
23127.
We protest and are opposed to this application for R4 zoning because it does
not meet the criteria according to the Montana Code Annotated, 76-2-304,item 2d.
This proposal will significantly change the characteristics of the district and its
peculiar suitability for particular uses". The proposed annexation is way too high of
a density for the existing surrounding land and services. The existing properties on
three sides of the 40-acre proposed annexation are zoned agricultural by the
Gallatin County. These properties are not on the Bozeman Planning map and are not
in the works be annexed. This fact shows the current area has substantial different
characteristics than the proposed R4 zoning for Harpers Corner Annexation. The
proposed R4 zoning will result in a significantly higher density than any of the
existing adjacent and even properties within a half-mile. The current adjacent
trailer court has approximately 85 units on a property similar in size to the Harpers
Corner Annexation. There are not more than 8 additioanl homes adjacent to the
proposed development. The proposed R4 zoning could have up to 1000 units. This
fact alone should not allow R4 zoning to even be considered based on the Montana
Code Annotated, 76-2-304,item 2d.
The proposed R4 zoning would seriously impact the traffic and
transportation on Hidden Valley Road that runs on the West side of the property.
We understand there is another access to this property but even if only one third of
the new tenants use Hidden Valley,usage will be greatly increase (approximately
triple the usage of the current adjacent properties). Hidden Valley is a narrow
county road with deep ditches and is not part of the Bozeman Planning map and
cannot handle the increase in traffic traveling either direction from the proposed
Harper's Corner annexation. The majority of the property to the west is still
agricultural with farming and livestock. The existing county road is the only means
of moving equipment for these long time farmers. This R4 zoning will substantially
affect the safety of all adjacent owners by putting too many vehicles on roads that
were never intended for thousands of additional daily vehicles.
Another reason we are opposed to the high-density R4 zoning is that a large
portion (approximately 60%) of the 40 acres will end up solid surface roads and
parking lots. Where are you planning to put all the storm water? The current
Maynard Creek runs through our property,which is on the west side of the Harpers
Corner Annexation, and if the creek gets any higher than it already does in the
spring, then it will flood our property and be a financial hardship on us along with
our neighbors.
We ask the commissioners to consider a lower density zoning such as single
family and possible mixed use with multi family. We are not opposed to
development but would like you to consider what the wrong development will do to
the existing area for all future time. The current developer who is primarily based
out of state only cares about maximum profit. Look up the developer's approval
ratings. When this developer finishes and leaves the property and project,its
problems stay here with us and the money goes with the developer.
Yours sincerely,
(tegory V.Vidmar Shannon M. Vidmar