HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-25 Public Comment - R. Rising - Request to Reject Application #24570From:Rachel Rising
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Request to Reject Application #24570
Date:Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:59:44 PM
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Request to Reject Application #24570
To Whom It May Concern,
We ask you to reconsider the zoning and annexation described in
Application #24570 for the following reasons:
It is incompatible with the existing rural and low-density character of
surrounding properties.
It ignores the Long-Term Community Plan to preserve agricultural
business operations, protect valuable open spaces, and preserve,
enhance, and protect wetlands.
It would significantly increase traffic and safety risks on undersized,
county-managed roads.
It violates Bozeman Zoning Regulations, Article IV, Section 21.01, #3
(minimize adverse environmental impacts). The proposed
development would displace large numbers of wildlife that call this
wetland home and have lasting impacts on habitat health and
availability. This area supports many migratory birds (including
sandhill cranes, geese, ducks, swallows, warblers), hawks, owls,
eagles, deer, foxes, coyotes, and other wildlife.
It violates long-term community plans to address climate change. This
large-scale, high-density project would replace wetlands—which help
prevent flooding, clean water, and regulate surface temperatures—
with asphalt, which offers no environmental benefit. It violates
Growth Policy R-2.9 (long-term sustainable gains).
Bozeman is in a water shortage. We are permanently under water
restrictions, and water prices have increased significantly in recent
years. Without new water storage and conservation efforts, it is
reckless to continue building high-density apartment complexes that
use 4–7 times more water per acre than single-family homes. This
violates Bozeman Zoning Regulations, Article IV, Section 21.01, #3
and #5 (minimize environmental impacts and ensure adequate
provision of public services).
It ignores the Long-Term Community Plan goal of “A City of Unique
Neighborhoods: Promote a Diverse Supply of Quality Housing Units.”
Since 2018, 66% of building permits have been for multi-family units,
with only 17% for single-family homes. As the need for temporary
housing has been met, it is time to build more single-family homes to
increase supply, reduce housing costs, and make homeownership more
affordable. Currently, 75% of property buyers in Bozeman are seeking
single-family homes. One-sided planning that approves only high-
density residential development is making single-family housing
unattainable and unaffordable. It is time to stop supporting out-of-state
developers’ interests and start supporting the community you were
elected to represent. This violates Bozeman City Growth Policy R-2.3
(potential for economic benefit to the broader community).
We respectfully urge the Bozeman City Commission to reject this
application.
Rachel Rising
Bozeman Resident
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