HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-25 Public Comment - C. Kindred - Protest for App 24570 Curtis Kindred
Michelle Ostrye
2319 Thoroughbred Ln.
Bozeman, MT 59718
July 2, 2025
Bozeman City Clerk
121 N. Rouse Ave.
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
Re: Protest of annexation and zone map amendment, application#24570, 5211 Baxter
Lane
To Whom it May Concern,
As the legal owners of real property located at 2319 Thoroughbred Lane, Bozeman, Montana
59718, we hereby submit this formal weitten protest in opposition to A negation and Zone Map
Amendment Application#24570 (the"Application"), as noticed for public hearing before the
city commission.
We submit this protest pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 76-2-305 as we qualify as
adjoining property owners.
Statement of protest
We oppose the zoning changes and annexation described in application#24570 for the following
reasons:
The Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan requires the City to deny the Application.
That plan highlights sensitive lands identified through a GIS model. The model identifies areas
with resources that are disproportionately susceptible to impacts from development and
degradation. That model shows the highest sensitivity (level 10) for wildlife biodiversity
(sensitivity level 10) in the proposed development. That model also shows sensitivity levels 5-7
for agricultural heritage in the proposed development. The development proposed in application
#24570 will permanently destroy these sensitive areas which provide a foundation for our quality
of life and are t eireason the Gallatin Valley is unique and loved by residents. Local residents
rated Bozeman's natural environment as a key community strength and priority in the 2024
National Community Survey. The City cannot protect sensitive lands and approve the
Application which proposes to build and pave over these sensitive lands. The City must follow
the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan and deny the Application.
The proposed zoning changes and annexation are wholly incompatible with, and insensitive to,
the immediate environment of the site and the adjacent neighborhoods and other approved
development concerning neighborhood identity in violation of Bozeman Municipal Code §
38.230.100(A)(7)(a). The proposed site is currently used for agriculture, and it preserves,
protects, and enhances wildlife habitat. Baxter Meadows, the adjoining neighborhood, is zoned
residential—low density and it consists of single-family homes.Approving the application would
radically transform the nature of the site into a high-density, mixed-use area that will include
commercial businesses. The proposed development will destroy the character of Baxter
Meadows and the entire area. The City must deny the application for this reason.
Although the City of Bozeman favors annexation,the City should not approve an application for
annexation unless there is a true need for more housing. The proposed development is not
necessary because the need for additional housing, and multi-household dwellings in particular,
has su ided. Further, pursuant to the Bozeman Community Plan,the City has expanded several
ow Income Housing Tax Credit projects and more are in the design,review, and permitting
phase with sites in all quadrants of the community. The City also is reevaluating required
minimum densities in existing residential districts and may increase those densities.All these
actions are in furtherance of Theme 2 and specifically, Goals N-1.2 and N-3 which involve
promoting a diverse supply of quality housing units. The City should complete these projects and
analyze the need for additional housing units before approving a new development that is
unrelated to the City's goals.
The Community Plan requires the City to consider climate change in analyzing proposed
developments. If approved,the proposal in application#24570 would ruin the natural wetland
which acts as a natural sponge during flooding, cleans water, and regulates surface temperatures.
In its place,the applicant will build homes and structures and pavement. These things will
increase temperatures and create floodwater problems. The development would destroy a key
element of climate change mitigation and exacerbate climate change. This is directly contrary to
the Community Plan and cannot be allowed.
The only-person who will benefit from the development is the Florida developer who has no
connection to Montana or Bozeman and no incentive to respect or preserve the natural
environment in and around the site or the community. Granting the Application will cause
irreparable harm to the proposed site and adjacent residents. It is imperative that the City listen to
affected residents, deny the Application and enact protections permanently barring development
of the proposed site.
w4re
Curtis Kindred
M1 PATAI
Michelle Ostrye