HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-25 Public Comment - M. Routhier - Public Comment - Application #24570 Annexation Project 5211 Baxter LaneFrom:Mary Routhier
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment - Application #24570 Annexation Project 5211 Baxter Lane
Date:Tuesday, July 8, 2025 10:24:03 AM
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To the City Commissioners,
We own a home in Baxter Meadows West. We saw the Public Notice regarding the proposed Annexation of
“Project 5211 Baxter Lane” into the city boundaries. We also received notice from our Baxter Meadows Master
homeowners association regarding this proposed project. We are hereby submitting our comments below.
In general, given these realities:
a) the city police police and fire departments are understaffed on sworn officer and fire fighters;
b) the city struggles with maintaining public safety, city streets, including plowing and boulevard maintenance;
c) the city has enacted permanent water restriction based on current and projected growth;
d) current vacancy rates in Bozeman greatly exceeds normal vacancy rates.
Moreover, it is alarming and concerning to us that the city commission continues to annex more land into the city
and continues to approve large apartments, townhouse, residential and commercial development, which exasperates
these very prolems. The city is already experiencing significant urban sprawl and this West end of Bozeman is not
the appropriate place to build multi-story apartments/condominiums/townhomes. This type of growth is too much,
too soon for the West side of Bozeman. It is inappropriate for this type of high density/multi level development on
the perimeter of the Bozeman city limits adjoining agricultural land and single family residential area in Baxter
Meadows West. These types of development are more appropriate for the inner portions of the city, not on the
perimeter.
Regarding this application, we are in total agreement with Commissioner Jennifer Madgic. We strongly advise the
City Commission to deny this application for medium and high-density residential zoning. This section of land is
zoned agricultural and proposed annexation will have a huge impact on the environment, including wetlands,
agriculture preservation, and wildlife corridors. The proposed zoning of R5 and R3 will significantly increase water
usage and will significantly impact the Hyalite reservoir and the existing underground aquifer system. It will require
the city to build a new lift station to handle the increased water and sewer system. This development will have a
significant impact on the roads in and near Baxter Meadows with higher traffic and less Police Officers to patrol the
area to ensure safe driving conditions. Harper Puckett Road is not designed to handle the level of traffic that will
result.
It is discouraging to us to see an out of state developer, not familiar with the lifestyles of Bozeman & Gallatin
County residents who favor open spaces and being able to view the mountain ranges within the city limits and
watching wildlife, to propose such a development on the outskirts of town. It’s better to continue with in-fill of city
land, than destroy city wildlife/urban interfaces.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul & Mary Routhier
2486 Arabian Avenue, Bozeman MT 59718