HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-16-25 Public Comment - B. Vaillancourt - Fowler ProjectFrom:Bill Vaillancourt
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Fowler Project
Date:Tuesday, July 15, 2025 7:15:59 PM
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While I applaud the city’s efforts to provide affordable housing options in the city of
Bozeman, I have some serious concerns about some of the aspects of the Fowler project.
1. The two- and four-story units are too close to established homes in Harvest Creek. Theywill literally be looking directly into the backyards of the single and two story homes in
Harvest Creek.
This could have a significant adverse impact on Harvest Creek property values. Even if youassume it only impacts the 18 homes directly facing the new development, and the reduction
in value is 15-20%, it could reduce the value of these homes by $100,000 each, for a totalof approximately $1.8 million in lost property value.
2. Parking.
A. If these new units are intended to support families there is not enough parking and
residents will be forced to park in the street creating potential safety hazards and limitingaccess for emergency vehicles.
B. The parking areas will be directly behind the backyards of Harvest Creek homes. This
means headlights and noise directly impacting Harvest Creek homes. There needs to be abetter buffer between the new development and Harvest Creek.
3. Connecting Caterpillar, Farmall, and Annie to Fowler offers no benefit to Harvest Creek
residents. In fact, it will probably increase traffic in the Harvest Creek residentialneighborhood. It would be preferable to have Harvest Creek completely fenced off from
Fowler to reduce noise and traffic through Harvest Creek. We could have some trailentrances though for pedestrians and cyclists who want to get to schools, parks, etc.
4. The new units are not in keeping with the surrounding neighborhoods. Placing a total of
80+ units with three bedrooms each, means there would be 200-400 people living in a fiveacre area adjacent to established single family homes.
5. The new development does not have any useable park/green space that family residents
desire. The so-called park shown is ridiculously small and inadequate for families withchildren and pets.
6. Light impact. The four-story units will cause a loss of natural light in the evening to the
Harvest Creek homes adjacent to the development. Also, if the new development parkingarea is lit, there will be light shining directly into the Harvest Creek homes at night.
In conclusion, I really question that such a small piece of property, with only five acres
designated for housing development, is a good idea. I think it would be better suited for a
park with basketball courts, baseball fields, or similar for the public to enjoy.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Bill Vaillancourt3033 Caterpillar St,
Bozeman, MT 59718billvaillancourt01@gmail.com
501-240-4173