HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-25 Public Comment - J. Lowe-Anker - BonTon Zone ChangeFrom:Jennifer Lowe-Anker
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]BonTon Zone Change
Date:Tuesday, May 20, 2025 11:29:22 PM
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To Mayor Terry and venerable Bozeman City commissioners,
Here I am in the Bon Ton Zone where I have lived for over 30 years. It felt right to land here as I grew up in
Missoula taking bon-ton bread sacks to the movie theater for a free matinee. My late husband, Alex Lowe and I
were a young couple with a shared love of Montana, old houses and historic neighborhoods when we rented this
home from a friend for one year. It was built in 1903 and was just what we wanted. We purchased it for 200K, a
stretch for us as young parents with 2 kids under five. Alex raised a down payment by guiding Everest and I had a
couple successful art shows and we were home. I’ve known many of my neighbors for the entire time, shared block
parties, watched kids grow up and lost dear friends on my street as well as Alex. Life has been unpredictable but this
home and community have been my solace and stability. It is painful to see Bozeman change with urban creep
consuming sweet historic houses that could be renovated or at least rebuilt with a nod to what is here. What is more
painful is to see the number of high end dwellings built for nonresidents who may only spend a few weeks or days
of the year here. There will never be more of our historic districts so I implore you to down zone the Bon Ton. Is it
possible to prioritize ownership to those who actually live in their homes or provide affordable rentals. Restrict
corporate buyers. Massive fines for empty homes.
That could be novel.
Thanks to each of you for serving our community!
Sincerely, Jennifer Lowe
Sent from my iPhone