HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-24 Public Comment - A. Sweeney - Attn_ City CommissionFrom:Alison Sweeney
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Attn: City Commission
Date:Wednesday, March 6, 2024 3:50:17 PM
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Thank you for your decision last night regarding the application for a growth policy
amendment! Staff had the right recommendation based on the criteria, and I think it was theright decision for the folks living in the area. I realize I hadn't quite articulated my thoughts
well in person giving public comment on the fly.
When the deputy mayor asked something to the effect of, "what can't you do specifically inUrban Neighborhood that you want to do in B2M," that is exactly the right question thatshould be asked of every single up-zoning request ever!
Unfortunately the applicant's answer, "it's a more efficient use of land," is unsatisfactory. Atthis point those are buz words, ticking the boxes they know you want to hear. Developers and
their architects want the most freedom, with the loosest regulations, in order to build whateverwill bring them the most money. They're in business, they need to operate that way. You are
in public service, and charged with serving the public's best interest to the best of your abilityand last night you did that well.
For the newer members of the commission, B-1 does not need to be a strip mall. It allows 3
stories with 100% lot coverage. Lots of Historic Main Street would be allowed in B-1. Maybethere is more parking required in B-1, as the applicant claimed, but the current code does
allow for a reduction in parking requirements in B-1, according to this reference followingtable 38.540.050-3.
(1)Neighborhood commercial. Within the B-1 and R-O zoning districts implementing a smallscale Community Commercial Mixed Use growth policy designation or the B-3 zoning district,
the parking requirements for non-residential uses may be reduced.
I'm going to utter a very unpopular truth here; Montanan's drive cars. Given the climate hereI'm guessing we'll move to hybrid or electric cars before we abandon them entirely. So whilecertain individuals like to promote idealistic versions of a car-less future in Bozeman I thinkyou will continue to see most residents use them.
I also wholeheartedly concur with all the comments Marcia Kaveney called into the meetinglast night. If you want it walkable, don't make it a destination (B2M), being just one of them.
Thank you so much,
Alison B. SweeneyBernadette's Handmade JewelryBozeman MT406-404-5740alison-bernadettes.com