HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-25 Public Comment - L. Roulson - Comment on Fowler Housing ProjectFrom:Leanne Roulson
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Comment on Fowler Housing Project
Date:Wednesday, August 6, 2025 8:21:05 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear City Economic Vitality Board-
I am writing as a resident of Harvest Creek to express concern over the current plans for theFowler Housing Project. I understand the need to develop the roadway and see the logic
behind simultaneously developing some housing in the adjacent parcel. However, theproposed plans and the process so far are problematic because:
1. The R3+ density proposed is very high and would create traffic and parking issues in theadjacent Harvest Creek streets.
2. The plans look to be cramming in housing units when there are MANY nearbyapartment complexes that sit empty. The Bozeman housing market has slowed and we
have overloaded the rental market. This level of density is NOT needed or appropriate.3. Adding 4-story buildings in a narrow space like this is not going to create a place where
people will WANT to live.4. The proposed zoning and layout of the project violates several of the current setbacks
and green space initiatives that have made developments like Harvest Creek desirable.The units will be within 20 feet of existing homes and much closer to the roadway than
other recent apartment complexes on Oak St and N. 27th. If using an appropriate bufferto Fowler (consistent with other planning rules) limits the number of units the site can
hold- then there should be fewer units.5. The plans show the play area along the new Fowler Road while the parking is clustered
behind the housing. This makes no sense. The park should be sheltered from theroadway for safety and to encourage parents to use it for their children.
6. The plan to connect several streets from Harvest Creek through the development is alsopoorly thought out. It makes sense to have Annie bisect the development, but adding
more connectors and entrances will only pull more traffic back to New Holland- whichis the exact opposite of the goal of the Fowler connector.
7. I support developing some housing in this parcel. But, the current plan shows very littleplanning or forethought.
8. Saying this housing plan and the Fowler Road plan are "separate" or independent isdishonest. The housing project is clearly not feasible BUT FOR the plan to develop
Fowler. Therefore, they are connected actions and should be discussed and planned forconcurrently. Separating the projects and making their planning independent for the
purposes of comments and public involvement is dishonest at the least and intentionallymisleading.
The rapid pace of this plan and project, when compared with the years of planning and inputon the Fowler project also smack of profiteering and a lack of consideration for the housing
development's real goals. If we want to add affordable, desirable housing, then more thoughtshould go into the planning, desired density, and arrangement of the project to make it fit with
the adjoining neighborhoods and level of use in the area.
Sincerely,Leanne Roulson
-- Leanne H. Roulson
"Do not fight back; fight forward." -Ola, from Ted Lasso
Certified Fisheries ProfessionalPast-President, American Fisheries Society
AFS Fellow
leanne.h.roulson@gmail.com 406-690-4223 (mobile & text)