HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-25 Public Comment - C. Stillwell - AHO revisionsFrom:Christy Stillwell
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]AHO revisions
Date:Friday, January 24, 2025 9:21:11 PM
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Dear Mayor, deputy Mayor and all city commissioners:
I'm writing with concerns over the revised AHO. The rewrite achieves some good,
such as restricting the affordable rental rates from 80% AMI to 60%, but it still feels
like an ordinance that allows developers to exploit our city.
There seem to be differing views of what kind of city Bozeman will become. Staff,
local architects, and real estate developers seem to want more of what we've seen the
past six years, while a loud majority of residents do not want a city core of high rises
and congestion. The pace of life here is worth protecting.
Do not offer land trades with developers in exchange for extra height. This will
only produce more astronomically priced luxury housing..
Do not offer increased height allowances in residential zones.
Consider relaxing parking requirements only for affordable units. Requiring developers
to provide parking for market rate units would naturally limit the size of their
proposed buildings.
Consider different incentives for greenfield developments versus city core
developments. Infill has not prevented greenfill sprawl and to suggest that it does is a
farce.
Consider an affordable housing overlay district. The city could work with existing
neighborhood groups to establish incentives that work with housing that already exists.
This would prevent speculative redevelopment and gentrification.
Try to create walkable neighborhoods that are not downtown by being more creative
with this ordinance. It is not a one size fits all situation. Are there ways to incentivize
the generation of capital for housing that tap local investors? This was done with the
Hogan in Missoula, where Stockman Bank financed the construction of the apartment
complex with over 50 local investors contributing.
Consider public housing. By subsidizing affordable housing, which is being done in
other cities successfully, we might protect neighborhoods and even provide smaller
groceries and amenities in various neighborhoods throughout the valley.
With the current vacancy rates, you have the time to be creative about this. I appreciate
your time.
Christy Stillwell