HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-25 Public Comment - P. Turner - Fowler Housing Project - Trade OffsFrom:City of Bozeman, MT
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]*NEW SUBMISSION* Public Comment Form - City Clerk
Date:Wednesday, August 6, 2025 11:46:30 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.
Public Comment Form - City Clerk
Submission #:4241879
IP Address:69.51.103.82
Submission Date:08/06/2025 11:46
Survey Time:4 minutes, 58 seconds
You have a new online form submission.
Note: all answers displaying "*****" are marked as sensitive and must be viewed after your login.
Read-Only Content
Full Name
Patricia Turner
Email
avhockey@msn.com
Phone
(406) 579-8675
Comments
Please see attachment for comments, thank you.
If you would like to submit additional documents (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .gif, .jpg, .png, .rtf, .txt) along with
your comment, you may alternately address comments@bozeman.net directly to ensure receipt of all
information.
Fowler Housing Project-Trade Offs.docx
Thank you,
City Of Bozeman
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
The Economic Vitality Board of Bozeman, Montana
EVB Agenda for Wednesday, August 6, 2025
My comment is related specifically to the Action Item F.3 “Trade-offs to Consider for the Fowler
Affordable Housing Project”(Fine)
I am writing to voice my concerns as an existing Harvest Creek property owner whose property
backs up to the proposed Fowler Housing Project.
My name is Patricia Turner, property owner of 1251 New Holland Drive, Bozeman, Montana
While the project’s premise may be well intended with the core desire to introduce affordable
housing for a targeted buyer it comes at a direct cost to the existing neighbors. My hope is that
a consensus can be reached.
Concern:
Loss of Privacy and Quality of Life This is a primary concern. The introduction of multiple story
homes and balconies can create direct sightlines into backyards and windows of existing
homes. This fundamentally alters the sense of seclusion and privacy that single-family
homeowners often expect.
While a 20-foot setback is allowable per city zoning , it is insufficient to protect the privacy of the
existing homes.
The density of the proposed design creates a feeling of being boxed in on such a narrow piece
of land.
The proximity of parking lots/spaces, with its associated noise, light pollution, and visual impact,
can be perceived as a detriment to the quality of life, potentially leading to a decrease in the
property values of the adjacent single-family homes.
A "Juliette Balcony" is shown on the proposed 2 story unit labeled T1 that would back up to the
existing Harvest Creek homes. That design feature directly undermines the purpose of the 20-
foot setback. A setback is meant to create a buffer for light, air, and privacy. A balcony or
window that allows for direct views into the existing backyard negates this privacy buffer.
Landscape design on proposed plans showing a sidewalk and seating areas that run parallel to
the existing backyards of property owners.
Are these design features intended for private or public use? The proposed paved sidewalk
connects directly to the Fowler Ave Connector road project on Oak Street as well as intersected
streets off of New Holland Drive.
If it's a public sidewalk, the impact is even greater to all.
If it's for residents, why is it located in a way that so directly impacts the neighbors?
A seating area is not essential for a housing development and its placement directly next to
existing homes is a serious design flaw. Seating encourages people to linger and again negates
any privacy.
What is the impact to existing mature trees that fall in and along the property line? Will mature
trees be removed?
Actionable Request:
Increase the setback to allow for more room for both existing homeowners and potential
homeowners. Both parties benefit from a bigger setback with the ability to enjoy private outdoor
green space.
Less units to decrease the density of the project to better fit the character of the adjacent single-
family neighborhood and the surrounding area. Less units would mean less non-garaged
parking allowing minimal noise, light pollution and decreased visual impact.
Maintain a no taller than two story design plan throughout the project.
Eliminate the balconies and windows facing Harvest Creek properties or change the design to a
different type of window (e.g., a high, clerestory window that lets in light but not views).
Eliminate the sidewalk and seating areas along the existing property line.
Install at a minimum 6 foot tall, 8 foot tall (?) privacy fence along the property line.
In addition, plant a row of tall, fast-growing evergreen trees or dense shrubs on the development
side of the fence. This creates a natural, layered buffer that provides both a visual and a sound
barrier.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Patty Turner