HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-25 Public Comment - E. Ansley - 5532 Fowler file 24-492.From:Elizabeth and John Ansley
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]5532 Fowler file 24-492.
Date:Tuesday, May 20, 2025 7:51:08 PM
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Dear City of Bozeman,
We are writing to express significant concern about the Rocky Mountain Flats development
near our home in Meadow Creek Subdivision. Our primary concern is that this high-densityproperty will route traffic through our neighborhood via Meah Ln. The number of vehicles
from this development would significantly increase the number of cars on our roads, makingus concerned about the safety of families, children, and pets in our neighborhood. This road
runs right near our park, and if this becomes a frequently used outlet from this development,we could see a significant traffic change. If each of the 296 tenants has one car, that is a
startling increase in our neighborhood traffic. We could even see more cars on our roads ifthere were multiple tenants per unit. Furthermore, given the distance from town, there is no
bus service or walkable amenities to help reduce the need for the tenants to drive.
On that note, we understand the proposed development is low-income, including at the level of30% of the area's median income. Although we understand the need for low-income housing,
it is inappropriate for this location. The location is 3.5 miles from town. Given the lack ofbike lanes and sidewalks on Stucky Rd, this is neither a reasonable walking nor a safe biking
distance. There is no bus service to this area, and it is not proposed to be here for decades,according to the City Commission. Housing of this density and income belongs in town, near
amenities these residents will need. It is a disservice to these residents to build this so faraway from town.
We are also concerned about the potential negative impact on our neighborhood. This area is
developing quickly, without any changes to the infrastructure to support this significantincrease in population. We may see a negative impact on the value of our home at a time
when our property taxes continue to increase. As long-time residents of Bozeman, we feelthat our housing is not being considered. We've worked hard to own a home in this
community, and the proposed development will change the character and safety of ourneighborhood.
The above message and the following comments have been sent to the developer: We
appreciate that you are asking for community input. We request that you reconsider thisdevelopment; it is inappropriate for this location. We request your consideration in directing
traffic to Fowler and Stucky, which will be better equipped to handle the traffic and notchange our well-established, safe, family neighborhood. We also request that you consider
parks and green space near our existing park. This will keep the area beautiful and useful forfamilies in your neighborhood and ours. Please reduce the density of your proposed
development. Alternatively, lower-density units could be placed near our neighborhood, withincreasing density near Fowler Road, where fewer single-family homes are nearby.
We understand that Bozeman is changing and that additional housing is needed. That being
said, we hope new developments in our community are responsible and considerate of
maintaining consistency with what is nearby. We value our views, safety, quiet, green space,and wildlife. Your tenants will value these things as well, and we sincerely hope there is a way
to include these suggestions in your development plan.
We encourage you to work with the Meadow Creek Homeowners' Association to develop aplan that works for both subdivisions.
Thank you again for being open to comments. We'd appreciate confirmation that you have
received this message.
City of Bozeman, we would appreciate your support. We oppose this development and feelthere are many valid reasons for it to be stopped. This proposed development is irresponsible,
and we are disturbed by what it will mean for our neighborhood and the precedent that will beset by allowing it to proceed. As more and more high-density subdivisions are being approved,
it feels like the voices of long-time Bozeman residents are not being heard. It is difficult towatch this community change, and not always for the better.
Respectfully,
John and Elizabeth Ansley