HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-17-25 Public Comment - W. Clarkson - Formal Public Comment on INCOMPLETE Site Plan Application 25238 – Sundance Springs Lot 2From:Wyatt Clarkson
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Formal Public Comment on INCOMPLETE Site Plan Application 25238 – Sundance Springs Lot 2
Date:Sunday, November 16, 2025 5:56:14 PM
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Dear Planner Moon and Director of Community Development,
I am writing to submit my formal public comment in strong opposition to Site PlanApplication 25238 for the Sundance Springs Lot 2 commercial development. Upon reviewof the submitted materials, it is clear that the application is materially incomplete andcannot be approved as it fails to provide the necessary studies to demonstrate compliancewith the Bozeman Municipal Code.My main concerns are as follows:
A "Trip Generation Memo" is insufficient for the size, scale, and location of this project. Thismemo fails to address numerous factors regarding the site's proximity to Sacajawea MiddleSchool (800 feet), public trail systems, and the neighborhood itself. First,the limited capacity of the intersection at Little Horse Drive and South 3rd Avenue,especially during peak travel times when school is in session. Second, the impact onpedestrian and cyclist traffic, particularly that of Sacajawea students accessing adjacentneighborhoods and the trail system. And third, the potential need for additional signage,crosswalks, stoplights, etc. due to the added traffic strain. Due to these factors, a full"Traffic Impact Analysis" is required. Without one, the application fails to prove it will notcreate a hazardous situation for children and residents, a requirement under the BozemanMunicipal Code's site plan criteria for public safety and circulation.
Furthermore, the City's commitment to environmental stewardship requires a "WildlifeImpact Study" to assess and mitigate these effects, which is absent from this application.The submitted "Wetland Delineation Report" merely maps the wetland boundary but doesnothing to address the project's impact on wildlife that utilize this corridor of public landand HOA open space. The introduction of 24/7 commercial activity, lighting, and noise willfragment habitat and disrupt species movement between the wetlands, open space, andhay fields.
Additionally, the submitted Lighting Plans (Arch e1.0-e1.4) don't appear to have beenreviewed for compliance with BMC Dark Sky and light trespass ordinances. The plans mustdemonstrate through photometric analysis that zero light spill will impact the adjacentHOA open space, wetlands, and residential areas. Similarly, the application lacks a "NoiseImpact Study" for uses like a restaurant (with late-night patrons and dumpster collection)and a gym (with potential 24/7 hours), which will fundamentally alter the quiet, peacefulcharacter of this residential and recreational area.
Finally, the Landscape Plan (Arch l1.1) does not provide a substantive, natural bufferzone between the commercial property line and the sensitive HOA open space and publicpark. There is not an adequate barrier to mitigate visual, noise, and light pollution forneighborhood residents. This will decrease the value of homes in the surrounding
developments and destroy the quiet, peaceful atmosphere that makes these communitiesso desirable.
For the reasons stated above, Application 25238 is incomplete and cannot be found tomeet all applicable criteria of BMC Section 38.230.050. I respectfully request that theDirector of Community Development DEEM THE APPLICATION INCOMPLETE andrequire the applicant to submit the missing, critical studies listed above before thisapplication can proceed any further.
Thank you for your diligent review.
Sincerely,
Wyatt J. Clarkson