HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-13-25 Public Comment - M. Pearson - Fowler Housing Development Project adjacent to Harvest Creek Subdivision - BozemanFrom:Mark Pearson
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Fowler Housing Development Project adjacent to Harvest Creek Subdivision - Bozeman
Date:Tuesday, August 12, 2025 4:27:22 PM
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DATE: August 12, 2025
TO: City of Bozeman Commissioners and Housing Personnel
FROM: Mark Pearson, 2942 Lily Drive, Harvest Creek Subdivision,Bozeman
SUBJECT: Fowler Housing Development Project (adjacent to Harvest Creek
Subdivision)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am opposed to the Fowler Housing Project in its current proposed zoning anddesign. The design proposes a density of housing that is at odds/out of character
with the density of housing in Harvest Creek Subdivision. I am in agreement withand have signed the August 2025 Petition prepared by Harvest Creek Subdivision
that points out various observed deficiencies in the design of the housing project.Over 200 residents of Harvest Creek Subdivision and interested citizens have
signed this petition and it has been submitted to you – City of Bozeman.
Rather than re-iterate all the points and perspective of Harvest Creek in thepetition, I wish to point out some of, what seems to be in my perspective, obvious
problems of the proposed development.
The proposed density of the development is discordant with the lower
density of Harvest Creek. The development should be zoned R1 or R2 not
R3, R4, or R5.
The property is narrow and as such cannot support higher density without
compromising the character of the adjacent neighborhood (Harvest Creek).
The proposed development has too few parking spaces per unit that would
result in overflow parking onto streets.
Many of us are disappointed by what appears to be, a lack of thoughtfulness
in planning the Fowler development and stated fast-tracking the project
resulting in limited public participation.
The Fowler Development in its design appears to have a lack of
consideration for the homeowners on the west side of New Holland Drive
in that multi-story apartment development is proposed along with parking,
very close to those houses and backyards of the New Holland Drive, west
side residents.
The density of the Fowler Development as described, would decrease the
value of the properties along New Holland Drive which is not likely
desirable among those New Holland Drive residents.
While I understand the City of Bozeman’s well-intentioned efforts to
provide affordable housing, the City engineers did not indicate that the
development would be particularly affordable. Hence, why not create a
development that is in character with the adjacent neighborhood and take
your time to create a good design and enable more robust public
participation?
In closing, the City of Bozeman wants to develop the vacant lot that would
be the site of the Fowler Development. In consideration of the need for
affordable and available housing, I can understand this. However, the site is
currently a valued green space with trees and a water course that is used
regularly by the community. If that portion which is City property must be
developed into housing, then development plans should maintain green
space, trees, and the watercourse on the property.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Fowler Housing
Development.
Sincerely,
Mark Pearson