HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-25 Public Comment - C. Stillwell - Attn_ Community Development Board, NO UPZONING!From:Christy Stillwell
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Attn: Community Development Board, NO UPZONING!
Date:Saturday, October 18, 2025 3:13:54 PM
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Hello Chairman Happle, Commissioner Madgic, Director George, and
members of the Community Development Board,
I'm writing in regards to the upcoming UDC work session. Please do NOT
upzone R-B to allow 12 units. I live in an R-3 zone that will become R-B. My
Midtown neighborhood has battled the intense infill pressure for years. I am
against upzoning this neighborhood or any R-B to 12 units. Eight is enough.
I would rather have property in an R-A neighborhood, as they seem to be the
most protected. But we must all sacrifice some comfort to make room for
the future. My house is in R-B, which allows eight units. Can we keep it at
eight? Eight is enough; it will allow some of the "missing middle" to land in
these older neighborhoods.
In regards to the "infill to prevent sprawl" argument: Sprawl is here.
Cramming older neighborhoods with 12 unit mid rise buildings is only going
to pressurize older neighborhoods right out of their safety and charm. It will
not prevent sprawling development.
My neighborhood has fought hard against upzoning and I want the new
zoning to reflect this hard work. We have asked time and time again that the
city NOT ALLOW UPZONING!
Increasing development entitlement increases property taxes, incentivises
demolition and redevelopment resulting in gentrification and a loss of
economic diversity in core neighborhoods. The 3 story, 12 unit, single stair
structures architects and developers are lobbying for can be built in
proposed R-C and above.
In addition, the proposed R-A zoning district should remain at a duplex by
right, and allow the Existing Building Alternative to stand as currently
described in the draft. Do NOT upzone R-A to 4 units by right! With no
minimum lot size, and new ADU allowances, plenty of gentle infill can occur
in R-A while maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods. The
Existing Building Alternative is an elegant compromise created with the
neighborhoods, residents, staff and commissioners. Let it stand.
Please continue to honor the neighborhood led rezoning proposals for the
Bon Ton and Centennial neighborhoods to become R-A as currently shown
in the Draft UDC. These residents have spent countless hours organizing,
educating, and drafting professional proposals at the invitation of Director
George. Montana Code makes ample provision for nonconforming
structures to continue current use and conduct maintenance. These
neighborhoods are part of our cultural heritage and history and the current
residents are stewards of these community assets. Please respect their
desire to carry out those stewardship responsibilities by conserving these
areas for future generations with the requested R-A zoning, and the Existing
Building Alternative currently in the draft UDC.
Thank you,
Christy Stillwell