HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-20-25 Public Comment - M. Osman - Attn_ Community Development Board, NO UPZONING!From:Michelle Osman
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Attn: Community Development Board, NO UPZONING!
Date:Monday, October 20, 2025 9:34:52 AM
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Hello Chairman Happle, Commissioner Madgic, Director George, and members of the
Community Development Board, Im sending this form letter because I’m on vacation and cannot attend the meeting and want to
spend time with my family rather than continuing to ask the city staff, commission and boardsto listen to the residents of Bozeman. My taxes are high enough and up zoning will add to my
taxes, incentivize demolition and redevelopment and chase my neighbors out of their homes. Ilive in an older part of town where many of my neighbors are on fixed incomes. I resent
watching homes that are lived in, be purchased for extractionary profit by folks looking todevelop.
I'm writing today to express my desire that the proposed R-A zoning district remain at aduplex 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 ADUallowances, 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 theneighborhoods, residents, staff and commissioners. Let it stand. Do NOT upzone R-B to allow
12 units. The community time and time again has shown up asking for NO UPZONING!Increasing development entitlement increases property taxes, incentivises demolition and
redevelopment resulting in gentrification and a loss of economic diversity in coreneighborhoods. The 3 story, 12 unit, single stair structures architects and developers are
lobbying for can be built in proposed R-C and above. R-B at 8 units does allow for MissingMiddle Housing. 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 fornonconforming structures to continue current use and conduct maintenance. These
neighborhoods are part of our cultural heritage and history and the current residents arestewards 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-Azoning, and the Existing Building Alternative currently in the draft UDC. Thank you,
Michelle Osman 419 North 5th Ave
Bozeman Mt. 59715(406) 579 3992
www.michelleosman.com