HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-24 Public Comment - A. Hellman - response to “5 Range” Site Plan _ application #- 23306_From:Adam Hellman
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL][SENDER UNVERIFIED]response to “5 Range” Site Plan | application #- 23306:
Date:Wednesday, November 13, 2024 11:32:18 AM
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.
Hello,
I have lived in Bozman for over twenty years, and I have seen many changes. I think that
change is not only good for our valley and its vitality but that it is necessary and should be
embraced. I have certainly been impacted in various ways over the course of my time by
the growth of Bozeman and have, for the most part, ultimately benefitted from the growth
which I have experienced. However, I feel the need to voice serious concerns over a
current intention to approve development in this area of Bozeman as it seems to be counter
to the stated goals of Bozeman as we aim to grow ina sustainable fashion. The impact
which this development may have on the surrounding area as it relates to the viability of
farming is certainly a concern for me as well as the lack of existing infrastructure to allow for
the influx of traffic that this would bring to the area. As an avid road cyclist I have already
been made keenly aware of the increase in traffic in this area of town as there are far more
cars in an area which had thouroughfares designed with no intention of hosting such
volume. I fear that the influx of new traffic will cause unavoidable hazards for pedestrians
and cyclists. It is my understanding that the city’s stated intention is to foster growth in
centralized fashion which would avoid adding significant population density to outlying
areas and thus presserving the experience of being in Bozeman. I respect and endorse
this plan. I have no illusions that growth will stop, nor would I want it to, I enjoy living in a
community that is vibrant and growing while I have watch so many smaller communities in
Montana wither and fail as the times change. I do believe that it is our responsibility as
citizens to provide direction and form to the growth which we would like to see. I believe in
the words of Edward Abbey, “Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer
cell,” I do not believe that anyone involved with this is ill intentioned or cold hearted but I’d
believe that they, like we all are, are embarking on this development to provide benefit to
themselves. Should we not step up and draw a line as to how one can benefit themselves
through development we run a high likelihood of no longer having the opportunity to craft
and foster positive growth for this community. The loss of viable farmland, recreation area,
habitat for wildlife is enough in my eyes to be reason for pause when considering thai
development. I thank you for your time and consideration.
Adam Hellman