HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-25 Public Comment - J. Moffet - 5532 Fowler Annex – File # 24-492From:Jennifer Moffet
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Maddy@bluelinedevelopment.com
Subject:[EXTERNAL]5532 Fowler Annex – File # 24-492
Date:Thursday, May 22, 2025 9:29:32 AM
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To The Planning Commission and both Mayors:
I am writing to express my vehement opposition as a concerned resident of Bozeman to the
proposed Rocky Mountain Flats Development. This project is slated for an area currently
lacking the essential infrastructure to support affordable housing initiatives.
For over five years, the planning commission appears to have routinely approved developer
projects without adequate consideration for their impact on the city, its community, and
surrounding neighborhoods. This trend has been justified under the guise of "obtainable"
housing, because “affordable” housing was considered a dirty word.
A notable example is the Buffalo Run development, which was inaccurately marketed as being
1.5 miles from a grocery store "as the crow flies," when in reality, the distance is 3.5 miles.
Furthermore, individuals capable of affording "obtainable" housing typically possess private
transportation, diminishing their reliance on public transit.
The current proposal for affordable housing at Rocky Mountain Flats differs significantly. The
city of Bozeman's existing infrastructure is insufficient to support a project situated over three
miles from essential amenities such as downtown, grocery stores, medical facilities, schools,
and public transportation. Even if public transportation plans are underway, it is projected to
be years, if not a decade, before a developer-provided bus stop at Rocky Mountain Flats
would be beneficial to the development.
The proposed improvements to Stucky Road appear to be superficial and inadequate. A
comprehensive upgrade would necessitate widening the road to include dedicated bike and
pedestrian lanes, which are not included in the current plans. Given existing delays and
potential federal funding cutbacks, this project faces a high likelihood of further
postponement. The City of Bozeman may be unable to bear the entire financial burden
without imposing additional taxes on its residents.
The proposed development poses significant concerns regarding its impact on surrounding
neighborhoods, particularly concerning increased traffic and safety hazards. The introduction
of this development will inevitably lead to a substantial rise in traffic on local neighborhood
streets, notably Meah Lane, which abuts a frequently used park where numerous children
play. The existing infrastructure in this area is not equipped to manage such an increase in
traffic volume, thereby creating a considerable safety risk for both children and pedestrians.
Relocating this development to a more appropriate site would ensure it possesses the
necessary infrastructure to thrive while simultaneously preserving the safety, livability, and
overall well-being of our existing neighborhoods.
The density along the 19th & Kagy to Graf corridor now rivals that of a metropolitan area, yet
the City of Bozeman has undertaken no infrastructure improvements in this vicinity, aside
from constructing more high-priced, often poorly built, multi-unit dwellings. It is a matter of
public record that many of these recently approved constructions have experienced significant
issues, including water and mold problems, within two years of completion.
While there is an undeniable and urgent need for affordable housing, it must be strategically
located closer to our limited existing infrastructure. The notion that "if we build it, they will
come" is a cinematic quote and should not serve as a guiding principle for our planning
commission.
Finally, I must address concerns regarding the transparency of the mayor and the planning
commission. The community outreach conducted for this project was the bare minimum. A
development of this magnitude warrants a public hearing rather than a late-night, closed-door
vote that appears to prioritize a new mayoral initiative. The citizens of Bozeman have a right
to be fully informed about projects of this scale and to have ample opportunity to provide
feedback. We also have a right to understand the inevitable tax implications that will affect
the entire city as current infrastructure improvements become necessary to support such an
undertaking, whether through levies, assessments, or increased taxes.
Sincerely,
Douglas & Jennifer Moffet
3409 S 27th Ave
Bozeman, MT