HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-25 Public Comment - E. Darrow and J. Walseth - Support for Code Variations in Historic Core & NCODFrom:Elizabeth Darrow
To:Bozeman Public Comment; Erin George; Terry Cunningham; Joey Morrison; Jennifer Madgic; Douglas Fischer;Emma Bode
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Support for Code Variations in Historic Core & NCOD
Date:Tuesday, May 20, 2025 11:49:35 AM
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RE: Support for Code Variations to Preserve Historic Core Neighborhoods inthe Unified Development Code Rewrite 2025
TO: Mayor Cunningham, Deputy Mayor Morrison, and Commissioners Madgic,Fischer & Bode:
We write as private residents and homeowners in the Cooper Park Historic Districtnot connected to any Board. We urge you to support and include context-sensitivecode variations for Bozeman’s historic core neighborhoods in the new incarnation
of the Unified Development Code (UDC). The proposal presented by residents in
the Bon Ton and Centennial neighborhoods are excellent examples that one sizedoes not fit all and in any rewrite of the Unified Development Code your actions inresponse can convince we the people, who live in these neighborhoods that you
actually represent us and insure that new development will embody the scale,
character, and sense of place that have long made Bozeman a livable and vibrant
city. That any new development is not only compatible with our past but activelyenhances it and our quality of life.
Rather than looming over our minds and hearts like a Sword of Damocles-youractions in new code actually can demonstrate your commitment to fair and
reasonable planning decisions. The proposals by Bon Ton and Centennial are
models that align with the intent of preserving community fabric but also meet
important statutory and planning benchmarks seen in MCA 2023 MCA 76-25-302(sections a, d, e, f, and j), offering a flexible approach to urban housing that does
not compromise neighborhood character, supports natural resource
protection such as mature greenspace preservation—as outlined in MCA 76-25-
209. Also follow our own Community Plan 2020:
· Maintains Future Land Use Designation, reinforcing established
neighborhood patterns, characters, scale. etc.
· Promotes safety and supports healthy air and light access through
thoughtful infill, greenspace.
· Supports compatible urban growth without displacement associated
with blanket zoning changes.
· Conserves the value of existing buildings, ensuring the architectural
diversity and community identity of historic areas retained with gentle infill
missing in developments such as the recent cell-block-like structure at 812West Babcock & S. 9th Ave in a shocking violation of that neighborhood's
character, scale, and community.
We expect that the City Commission understands the grave issues now presentand provide flexibility for Bozeman’s historic neighborhoods, allowing them to
evolve without erasing distinctiveness. These neighborhoods are not just relics
of the past—but vital, parts of the city that support multi-generational housing,walkability, sustainability, and community resilience.
Elizabeth Darrow & Jim Walseth