HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-25 Public Comment - A. Tate - Opposition to 5532 Fowler Annex – Application #24-492From:Abbey Tate
To:Maddy@bluelinedevelopment.com; Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Opposition to 5532 Fowler Annex – Application #24-492
Date:Wednesday, May 21, 2025 3:41:38 PM
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To Whom It May Concern,
As a parent and resident of the Meadow Creek community, I am writing to express my deepconcern and strong opposition to the proposed Rocky Mountain Flats development at 5532
Fowler Avenue (Application #24-492). While I fully support the need for affordable housingin Bozeman, I cannot ignore the very real safety, infrastructure, and community challenges
this project presents—especially for families like mine.
1. Unsafe Conditions for Children and Families
My children play in the park on Meah Lane every day. The thought of significantly increasedtraffic on our narrow, residential streets—where there are no sidewalks or basic pedestrian
protections—honestly terrifies me. This development would put children, parents, andpedestrians in danger. No improvements have been proposed to mitigate these risks, and the
infrastructure simply isn't there to support a high-density development safely.
2. Loss of Stability and Neighborhood Character
We chose this neighborhood because it offers a safe, stable environment to raise our family.The proposed project, with its projected 33% turnover rate, risks introducing instability and
disrupting the fabric of our community. A development of this scale, squeezed into an area ofsingle-family homes, without thoughtful transition or design, threatens to erode what makes
this a good place to raise children.
3. Isolation from Schools, Services, and Transit
Rocky Mountain Flats is over three miles from Bozeman’s schools, healthcare facilities,grocery stores, and job centers. There is no public transportation in this area, and according to
the City Commission, none is planned for the foreseeable future. How can we, in goodconscience, expect families—especially those already facing economic hardship—to live in an
area with no access to essential services?
4. Overburdened Area with No Supportive Infrastructure
As a parent, I see firsthand how stretched our parks, roads, and schools already are. Adding adense development like this, without new sidewalks, recreational space, or road
improvements, will only make things worse for the families already living here—and for thosewho would move in. Development must be paired with support systems, or we all suffer,
especially our kids.
5. Irreversible Loss of Green Space and Farmland
This proposal would pave over farmland and open space that Bozeman desperately needs topreserve. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Sprawl like this is not the answer. We need smart growth,
not short-term solutions that create long-term problems for future generations.
6. Questionable Oversight and Developer Inexperience
As a parent, I want to know that whoever is building near my home is qualified, experienced,and transparent. Blueline Development has not demonstrated that they can handle a project of
this magnitude. Their lack of public transparency and limited track record raise serious redflags when it comes to long-term accountability.
Bozeman families deserve careful, thoughtful planning that puts safety, stability, andsustainability first. I urge the Commission to reject this proposal in its current form and instead
work with the community to find a better, safer location that makes sense for the families whoalready live here—and for those who need affordable housing options that are truly viable and
well-supported.
Please feel free to contact me for further input. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Abigail Holland
A Concerned Parent and Bozeman Resident