HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-25 Public Comment - Z. Osman - Fowler Avenue Affordable Housing Project Public CommentFrom:Zehra Osman
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Fowler Avenue Affordable Housing Project Public Comment
Date:Tuesday, August 12, 2025 11:58:04 AM
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(Please post this public comment in the public record for this project)
Honorable Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Commissioners, and City Staff,
I viewed the video of last week’s Economic Vitality Board (EVB) meeting, which featured a
presentation by David Fine on the Fowler Avenue Affordable Housing (FAAH) project.
After almost four years of public engagement on the Fowler Avenue Connection projectthrough pre-design, 30% design, and now 60% design, I was disappointed that the FAAH
project presentation did not reference the FAC project. This caused the EVB to have to makeassumptions about the FAC, many of which were not correct. This wasted the EVB’s time.
Fortunately, the public comment made at this EVB meeting corrected this oversight and theEVB listened. I recommend that the Commission members watch the video recording of this
meeting.
One day, Bozeman will have a dependable public transit system. We do not have such asystem at this time. Until that day, we cannot keep designing new housing as if we do have a
reliable, robust, and comprehensive public transit system. I strongly recommend that Mr. Fineand consultants include a minimum of 2 parking spaces per housing unit. Let’s design
affordable housing that allows families to thrive. Families often have two working members,each needing a car and therefore needing a parking space. Families have kids who have to
attend after school activities, doctor appointments, etc. Are we expecting these families to ridebikes or take the Streamline to these after school activities? Let’s not force families to have to
park on nearby streets because the FAAH did not address realistic parking needs. It’s not fairto the families and it’s not fair to overburden streets.
I look forward to attending today’s work session on the FAAH project to learn more about it.
Respectfully,
Zehra OsmanBozeman resident