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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-21-24 Public Comment - F. Dephillips - Public Comment on Application 23306 – Concerns Regarding _Range 5_ Development Dear Bozeman City Planning Department,From:frances dephillips To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment on Application 23306 – Concerns Regarding "Range 5" Development Dear Bozeman City Planning Department, Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 7:53:50 PM 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. Dear Bozeman City Planning Department, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed "Range 5" development(Application 23306) near 4 Daughters Farm. While I understand and support the need for responsible development to accommodate growth in Bozeman, I believe this project requiresthoughtful adjustments to mitigate its impacts on the surrounding area. The proposed development raises several issues: 1. Impact on Farming Operations: The proximity of this large-scale development to 4 Daughters Farm will directly affecttheir ability to operate. Runoff, soil and water quality concerns, noise pollution, and obstruction of southern exposure sunlight are all challenges that would disrupt this long-standing farm’s operations. 2. Traffic and Safety Concerns:Adding 500–1,000 vehicles to Stucky Road is a serious safety issue. The road lacks shoulders and is already dangerous for bikers and drivers. Increasing traffic withoutimproving infrastructure will exacerbate these problems and put residents, cyclists, and visitors at risk. 3. Loss of Wildlife Habitat and Community Value: The area slated for development is home to groves of trees that provide habitat forwildlife and shade for livestock. It also offers a tranquil, natural setting that customers of 4 Daughters Farm value deeply. The three-story apartments would fundamentallyalter this experience and diminish the unique character of this area. 4. Preserving Farmland and Local Agriculture:Gallatin Valley’s fertile soil and working farms are irreplaceable resources. As Bozeman grows, we must strike a balance between development and the preservation ofthese agricultural spaces that contribute to the community’s food security, economy, and cultural identity. I urge the city to require modifications to the current plan. This is such a special place. Thank you for considering my concerns. I hope the City of Bozeman will prioritize the long-term value of agriculture and responsible development that benefits all members of the community. “If all the world is a commodity, how poor we grow."- Robin Wall Kimmerer Sincerely, Frances Dephillips