HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-25 Public Comment - A. Holland - Re_ Opposition to 5532 Fowler Annex – Application #24-492From:Maddy Mason To:Abbey Tate; Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Re: Opposition to 5532 Fowler Annex – Application #24-492 Date:Wednesday, May 21, 2025 5:55:43 PM Attachments:Outlook-0e5c12rn.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Abbey, Your comment has been received and will be included in the submittal to the City, per the Affordable Housing Ordinance 2025-001. Thank you, Maddy Mason BlueLine Development, Inc. 1004 South Avenue West Missoula, MT 59801 P: 612-741-9396 www.BlueLineDevelopment.com From: Abbey Tate <atate4@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 3:41 PM To: Maddy Mason <Maddy@bluelinedevelopment.com>; comments@bozeman.net <comments@bozeman.net> Subject: Opposition to 5532 Fowler Annex – Application #24-492 You don't often get email from atate4@gmail.com. Learn why this is important 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 5532Fowler Avenue (Application #24-492). While I fully support the need for affordable housingin Bozeman, I cannot ignore the very real safety, infrastructure, and community challengesthis project presents—especially for families like mine.1. Unsafe Conditions for Children and FamiliesMy 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 pedestrianprotections—honestly terrifies me. This development would put children, parents, andpedestrians in danger. No improvements have been proposed to mitigate these risks, and theinfrastructure simply isn't there to support a high-density development safely. 2. Loss of Stability and Neighborhood CharacterWe 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 anddisrupting the fabric of our community. A development of this scale, squeezed into an area of single-family homes, without thoughtful transition or design, threatens to erode what makesthis a good place to raise children.3. Isolation from Schools, Services, and TransitRocky 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 tothe City Commission, none is planned for the foreseeable future. How can we, in good conscience, expect families—especially those already facing economic hardship—to live in anarea with no access to essential services?4. Overburdened Area with No Supportive InfrastructureAs a parent, I see firsthand how stretched our parks, roads, and schools already are. Adding a dense development like this, without new sidewalks, recreational space, or roadimprovements, will only make things worse for the families already living here—and for those who would move in. Development must be paired with support systems, or we all suffer,especially our kids.5. Irreversible Loss of Green Space and FarmlandThis proposal would pave over farmland and open space that Bozeman desperately needs to preserve. 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 InexperienceAs 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 ofthis magnitude. Their lack of public transparency and limited track record raise serious red flags when it comes to long-term accountability.Bozeman families deserve careful, thoughtful planning that puts safety, stability, and sustainability first. I urge the Commission to reject this proposal in its current form and insteadwork with the community to find a better, safer location that makes sense for the families who already live here—and for those who need affordable housing options that are truly viable andwell-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