HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-25 Public Comment - Aa. Holland - Re_ Opposition to 5532 Fowler Annex – Application #24-492xFrom:Maddy Mason
To:Aaron Holland; Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Re: Opposition to 5532 Fowler Annex – Application #24-492
Date:Wednesday, May 21, 2025 5:53:37 PM
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Hi Aaron,
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: Aaron Holland <aaron@attend.tech>
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 3:02 PM
To: Maddy Mason <Maddy@bluelinedevelopment.com>; comments@bozeman.net
<comments@bozeman.net>
Subject: Opposition to 5532 Fowler Annex – Application #24-492
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To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Rocky Mountain Flatsdevelopment at 5532 Fowler Avenue (Application #24-492). While I support the need foraffordable housing, this project is being proposed in a location that is fundamentallyinappropriate, unsafe and detrimental to the surrounding community.
1. Public Safety Risks Due to Inadequate InfrastructureThe proposed development would dramatically increase traffic on Meah Lane and otherresidential streets adjacent to a park where my children play daily. The area lacks adequatepedestrian infrastructure, and no improvements to roads or sidewalks have been proposed.Adding a dense residential project in a location with minimal traffic controls and narrow roads
creates a serious safety hazard for families, children, and pedestrians.
2. Erosion of Property Values and Community IntegrityThis development sits directly next to Meadow Creek and other neighborhoods with high-
value homes. A large-scale, high-density project with high turnover rates (estimated at 33%)will inevitably impact local property values and disrupt the character of our community.
Mixing incompatible housing densities in such a manner without a transition plan is poorurban design and invites long-term social and economic tension.
3. Absence of Public Transit and Essential Services
Rocky Mountain Flats is located over 3 miles from Bozeman’s core services—groceries,healthcare, employment centers, and schools. There are no plans to extend public
transportation to this area for decades, according to the City Commission. Asking low-incomefamilies to live in an isolated part of town with no transit access is irresponsible and
inequitable planning.
4. Overdevelopment Without Support SystemsThe area surrounding 5532 Fowler is already strained with overdevelopment. This project
would add further pressure without addressing basic needs like safe pedestrian routes, greenspace, or recreational facilities. The city must consider whether it can support a development
of this scale with no plan to build up the surrounding infrastructure.
5. Destruction of Agricultural Land and Poor Site PlanningThis development would pave over farmland and green space in a community already
struggling with sprawl. A thoughtful, long-term vision for Bozeman must prioritize strategicinfill, sustainable development, and the protection of agricultural and natural resources—not
expansion for the sake of density without foresight.
6. Serious Concerns About Developer QualificationsBlueline Development has not demonstrated sufficient experience to manage a project of this
size and complexity. Their largest past development was in partnership with a housingauthority, not independently. The lack of transparency in their public records, absence of a
clear team, and limited online presence raise further concerns about accountability and long-term stewardship.
Bozeman deserves better planning—both for its existing residents and for future affordable
housing communities. I urge the Commission to reject this proposal in its current form andrequire the developer and city planners to identify a more suitable site that is properly
connected, supported, and responsibly integrated into the broader community fabric.
I am happy to comment further upon request.
Thank you.
-Aaron
-- Aaron Holland
Chief Executive Officer (385) 234-0793
attend.tech