HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-16-25 Public Comment - B. and W. Asserson - RE_ [EXTERNAL]Fowler projectFrom:David Fine
To:Betsy Asserson
Cc:wasserson; Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:RE: [EXTERNAL]Fowler project
Date:Wednesday, July 16, 2025 11:49:57 AM
Betsy and Walker –
I had a good conversation with Walker yesterday. Please don’t hesitate to reach out in the
future. I am forwarding your comments to the City Commission for their awareness.
Have a great day!
David
David Fine | Economic Development ManagerCity of Bozeman | Economic Development DepartmentC: 406.551.0209 | dfine@bozeman.net | www.bozeman.net | he / him / his
From: Betsy Asserson <betsy.asserson@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2025 9:24 PM
To: David Fine <DFine@BOZEMAN.NET>
Cc: wasserson <wasserson@gmail.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Fowler project
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Dear Mr. Fine,
My name is Betsy Asserson, and I am a homeowner in the Harvest Creek neighborhood. I am
writing to share my deep concerns about the proposed Fowler Housing Project and theassociated road construction for the Fowler Ave Connector.
While I recognize the importance of addressing Bozeman’s housing needs and am in supportof sustainable solutions, the scale and planning of this project raise significant red flags.
One of my primary concerns is that the City has not yet annexed all of the land needed for thedevelopment. As a result, this project will be carried out in pieces, prolonging construction
and disruption across multiple summers. This staggered approach is not only inefficient butalso unfair to residents who will have to endure extended noise, traffic, and uncertainty. We
have invested in our property and have three children, and this project will impact our qualityof life over multiple years rather than consolidating the work to minimize disruption to current
residents.
It’s extremely concerning that two interconnected projects—the housing complex and the road
infrastructure—are being treated as separate undertakings when the success and impact ofeach depends on the other. A coordinated, comprehensive plan is essential.
There does not appear to be a realistic plan in place for managing the impact of possibly
bringing 84+ new housing units into a space of only 5 acres. Narrow neighborhood streets
like Farmall and Caterpillar will be burdened with significantly increased traffic and parkingoverflow, especially given the limited parking being provided in the project (1.6 spaces perunit and no street parking on Fowler).
There’s also been little to no mention of how this will affect public services, safety, schoolcapacity, or long-term traffic flow in and around Harvest Creek. It feels like the project isbeing rushed through without meaningful study of its consequences.
As a homeowner, I am also seriously concerned about how this development—particularly
the capped appreciation model—will affect property values across our neighborhood.
When you cap appreciation at 3% annually and keep the city as the landowner, it seems to
create a disincentive for upkeep and investment by the future residents of the complex. As ahomeowner in the area, I would rather see a model that incentivizes upkeep to facilitate
continued appreciation like other comparable subdivisions in Bozeman. It raises a fairnessissue to negatively impact long-term property owners in this way.
And because many of us purchased in this neighborhood based on its character andconsistency, introducing high-density, multi-story buildings right behind our yards—without
adequate buffers or transitions—undermines that investment. I'd prefer to explore and seeplans for single-family or townhomes that maintain the character and style of the established
neighborhood, Harvest Creek.
I would like the City to reconsider the scale and format of this project, adopt a truly unified
development plan, and fully engage with the community before moving forward. I am notopposed to growth or affordable housing. But the proposed developments disregard the
integrity of the existing neighborhood and shift the burden onto current residents who alsocontribute to the community. My husband and I have both committed our careers to public
service (a Bozeman Schools teacher and an MSU psychologist), and we are disappointed thatthis project negatively affects the investments we have made in our community as
homeowners.
Thank you for your time and attention, and for considering the concerns we are raising.
Sincerely,
Betsy Asserson (and Walker Asserson)
1093 New Holland Dr.
Bozeman, MT 59718
--
Betsy Asserson, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
PO Box 5125
Bozeman, MT 59717
Phone: 406-570-7107