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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-24 Public Comment - K. Morgan - (#23306) Four Daughters Farm_Stucky-Cottonwood DevelopmentFrom:Kelly Morgan To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL](#23306) Four Daughters Farm/Stucky-Cottonwood Development Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 8:32:13 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. Reference # 23306 To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my deep concern and opposition to the proposed 5 Range development adjacent to Four Daughters Farm. While I understand the need to accommodate growth, this project poses significant risks to Bozeman’s character, community values, and the delicate ecosystem that makes this valley unique. Bozeman has long been cherished as a quaint mountain town with a strong sense of community and a deep connection to the natural environment. However, urban sprawl is threatening these very qualities. Large-scale developments like 5 Range compromise the balance between thoughtful growth and preserving the resources that define our town. Four Daughters Farm, a cornerstone of our local agricultural community, plays an essential role in maintaining this balance. Small farms not only provide fresh, sustainable produce for residents but also preserve open space, contribute to Bozeman’s cultural identity, and act as stewards of the land. Developing adjacent to this vital resource risks disrupting its operations, alienating wildlife, and further eroding the rural character of the valley. The proposed development also raises significant concerns about infrastructure and resource limitations. Our roads, schools, and water systems are already struggling to keep pace with Bozeman’s rapid expansion. Adding another large residential and commercial complex will strain these resources further, leading to potential degradation of the quality of life for current residents. Additionally, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, home to diverse wildlife, is under constant pressure from human encroachment. The 5 Range development would reduce habitat, disrupt wildlife corridors, and increase human- wildlife conflict, endangering the very biodiversity that makes this area so remarkable. Instead of approving the 5 Range project, I urge the Commission to prioritize smart growth strategies that focus on infill development, support for local agriculture, and preservation of green spaces. These approaches will better serve the community while maintaining the character of Bozeman and protecting the ecosystem that sustains us all. I respectfully ask the City of Bozeman to reject the 5 Range proposal and explore alternatives that align with the values and priorities of our community. Let us not lose sight of what makes Bozeman special: its people, its open spaces, and its connection to the natural world. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of this critical issue. I trust you will make a decision that reflects the long-term interests of our town and its residents. Sincerely, Kelly Morgan 484-832-0252 South Cottonwood Resident