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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-03-24 Public Comment - J. Darr - Application 22389 Gran CieloFrom:Joe Darr To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Application 22389 Gran Cielo Date:Saturday, August 31, 2024 9:40:32 AM Attachments:Opposition Letter Application 22389.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or openattachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Bozeman City Planning Department, Please see my attached opposition letter to the proposed apartment housing within the Gran CieloNeighborhood. I am a year round resident and property owner within the noticing boundary of this development. Joe Darr Dear Members of Bozeman City Planning Department, I am a property owner within the Gran Cielo neighborhood and writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed construction of apartment buildings within the neighborhood. The proposed project is Gran Cielo Block 14 MSP Application 22389. VVhile I understand the need for development and affordable housing here in Bozeman, I believe this particular development is not in the best interest of our community for several reasons. First and foremost, the construction of apartment buildings in close proximity to high-end homes will likely have a detrimental effect on property values. Our neighborhood has been developed with careful consideration to maintain a certain aesthetic and standard, which has attracted homeowners who have made significant financial investments. The introduction of a large-scale apartment complex could disrupt the character of the neighborhood, likely leading to a decrease in property values and a potential exodus of residents who seek to protect their investments. It's my understanding that the developer applied for a zoning change in 2021 to allow higher density on this block and that the development would include commercial space. The current plans make no accommodations for commercial space and this zoning change from an R-4 to R-5 may have been granted under false pretenses. As noted in the 2021 staff report "The proposed R-5 zoning district provides for high-density residential development through a variety of compatible housing types and residentially supportive commercial uses in a geographically compact, walkable area to serve the varying needs of residents. The R-5 district provides for a mixture of housing types and allows offices and small scale retail and restaurants as secondary uses provided that special standards are met to ensure compatibility." 21095 Gran Cielo Subdivision Phase 2 Zone Map Amendment Additionally, the proposed apartment buildings could bring about challenges related to traffic, parking and safety. The egress from Gran Cielo is already congested at particular times of the day and the addition of hundreds of residences will lead to further congestion, frustration and safety concerns. According to the planning documents there also appears to be inadequate parking slated for the number of proposed bedrooms, which will inevitably lead to street parking which is currently prohibited. Furthermore, the scale and design of the proposed apartment buildings are not in harmony with the existing character of the neighborhood. The visual impact of these four story tall, apartment complexes will tower over the single-family homes and will be jarring visually. Their construction could undermine the aesthetic that has been created with the existing homes and this disparity in design could lead to a loss of our neighborhood's unique identity and appeal. Future residents, prospective buyers and visitors will likely be puzzled by the dichotomy. I respectfully request that the City Planning Department reconsider the approval of this development. I believe there are alternative sites nearby that would be more appropriate for such a development-areas that would not disrupt an established neighborhood and could still contribute to the city's goals for growth and housing diversity. Thank you for considering my concerns. I trust that the city planners will take into account the long-term impact this development could have on our community and work towards a solution that benefits all. Joe arr 28 7 South 29th Avenue Bozeman, MT 59718 Please also be aware that the Development Action Noticing period requirements may not be met if the deadline remains September 4th. The on..site signage was removed for several days as I noted in a previous email.