HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-19-25 Public Comment - P. Rishel - Centennial Park Zoning ProposalFrom:Paul Rishel
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Centennial Park Zoning Proposal
Date:Monday, May 19, 2025 1:35:56 PM
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Dear Community Development Staff and City Commission,
I’m writing in support of the Centennial Park Neighborhood’s request to change our zoning to
RA in the new city UDC.
I live on North Black Avenue between Peach Street and Cottonwood Street. Like many of myneighbors here, I bought my house because at the time it was the most affordable option. It
was definitely a fixer-upper, and it required a thorough gutting and remodeling that was veryexpensive and, with my limited resources, time-consuming. I only mention this because like
many others who live here, we feel that our efforts have helped the neighborhood to blossomin the last thirty years into a place that is really pleasant and safe. I feel completely at ease
walking outside: the worst that could happen is that my walk to the hardware store is delayed afew minutes by a neighbor wanting to chat and catch up.
My reasons for wanting to reduce the density of our zoning are simple: in my experience, a
high-density residential area is not a good neighborhood. Knowing and being able to trustmost of the people around me is invaluable to me. I’m like many others here who have lived in
bigger cities and realized that having so many strangers in close proximity was too stressful.Now we’re surrounded by trees, sunlight, gardens, and people who are happy to see us. In a
word, it’s a nice place to live.
I don’t believe we have a mandate to encourage more people to move here, although I think Ican understand some of the reasons for feeling that way. I also know that balance is hard to
achieve, especially given all the financial pressures. But I feel that it’s just as important topreserve and encourage the things that are proven to work for people.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter,
Paul Rishel
617 N. Black AveSusie Mathre
624 N. Tracy Ave