Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-25 Public Comment - B. Bennett - Opposition to Downzoning the Centennial Park Neighborhood from R-A to R-BFrom:Benjamin Bennett To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Opposition to Downzoning the Centennial Park Neighborhood from R-A to R-B Date:Tuesday, November 18, 2025 10:05:15 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Terry Cunnigham and City of Bozeman Commissioners, I am writing to respectfully oppose the Community Development Board’s recentrecommendation to redesignate the Centennial Park neighborhood from R-A to R-B under the proposed zoning framework. While I understand and appreciate the need for thoughtfulgrowth, this particular change undermines one of the most essential qualities that makes Bozeman a unique and beloved community: the preservation of our established, character-rich“pocket neighborhoods.” Centennial Park is one of Bozeman’s rare residential gems — a walkable, human-scaledcommunity located just steps from our historic downtown core. It embodies the elements that generations of residents and city leaders have cherished: modest architecture, mature trees,safe streets, and a quiet cohesion that is both historically significant and culturally defining. Neighborhoods like this are not simply subdivisions on a map; they are the living record ofhow Bozeman grew, block by block and family by family. Once these neighborhoods are altered, they cannot be rebuilt. There is no future condition inwhich we recreate a Centennial Park so close to Main Street, nor replicate its scale, pattern, or lived-in sense of place. The proposed R-B designation — which encourages higher-density,mid-rise development — would inevitably erase these qualities over time and replace them with an amalgamation of bland units that do not reflect the aesthetics, proportions, orcommunity rhythm that make Centennial Park so desirable. Furthermore, the City’s own Planning Division already reflects an abundance of R-B-compatible projects in the pipeline. Between current applications, approved PUDs, and anticipated proposals from market-driven developers, Bozeman has now pivoted to theshortage of medium-density and higher-density housing. The need for additional R-B parcels does not justify rezoning one of the few remaining low-density neighborhoods adjacent to thehistoric core — particularly one with such deep community character and long-standing residential continuity. As you weigh this decision, I urge you to consider not only the technical framework of zoning, but the cultural and historical narrative of Bozeman itself. Zoning, at its best, should supportthe values we hold about our community — not flatten them into the algorithms of mediocrity or homogenized development patterns. Bozeman’s uniqueness comes from its layers: itsneighborhoods, its history, its scale, and the thoughtful stewardship of generations who protected places exactly like Centennial Park. Downzoning this neighborhood to R-B may satisfy a chart in a codebook, but it does not satisfy the long-term vision of a city that honors its past while growing responsibly into itsfuture. I ask that you reject the proposed change from R-A to R-B and maintain the zoning that preserves Centennial Park’s identity, character, and irreplaceable contribution to Bozeman’s cultural fabric. Thank you for your time and your continued service to our community. Sincerely, Benjamin Bennett 711 N. Black Ave.Bozeman -- Benjamin Bennett, Principal /// massive 30 East Mendenhall, Bozeman, Montana 59715 USA t. +1 406 585 4608 ext. 101 Massive.net Follow me on LinkedIn PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION This e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messagesattached to it, may contain confidential information that is legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsiblefor delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the informationcontained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please:(1) immediately notify me by reply e-mail, or by collect telephone call; and (2) destroy the original transmission and its attachmentswithout reading or saving in any manner.