HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-21-24 Public Comment - C. Chase - Reference application_ 23306From:Abbey Tate
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Reference application: 23306
Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 2:56:24 PM
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To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed development at 5 Range, adjacent to 4Daughters Farm. As a lifelong resident of Bozeman, I have supported local farms and watched
many disappear over the years, often replaced by empty apartment complexes.
This development will significantly disrupt the character, ecology, and livelihood of this part
of town. The proposed site is home to groves of trees that provide essential habitat for localwildlife, including birds, pollinators, and small mammals. These trees not only support
biodiversity but also play a vital role in maintaining air quality, mitigating heat, and reducingsoil erosion. Paving over these natural areas contributes to habitat destruction, increased
carbon emissions, and the urban heat island effect, which could have long-term consequencesfor both local ecosystems and residents.
Additionally, the increased traffic—an estimated 500-1,000 more cars—will further strainStucky Road, a narrow two-lane road with no shoulders and ditches on either side. This road is
already unsafe, with frequent accidents, including my recent experience of being rear-endeddue to speeding. More traffic means more noise, pollution, and safety risks for everyone in the
area.
Beyond the environmental concerns, this development will transform a peaceful, open area
into a dense, crowded block of three-story apartment buildings. It will also force yet anothertreasured local farm out of business, eroding the agricultural heritage that has defined
Bozeman for generations.
We urge you to slow down development in this area and consider the long-term ecological and
community impacts. While growth is inevitable, it must be thoughtful and sustainable topreserve what makes our town and its ecosystems unique.
Sincerely,Casey Chase