HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-25 Public Comment - E. Darrow - A New and Better UDC Public CommentFrom:Elizabeth Darrow
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]A New and Better UDC Public Comment
Date:Monday, December 1, 2025 3:58:34 PM
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Greetings Mayor Cunningham, Deputy Mayor Morrison, Commissioners
Madgic, Fischer, & Bode:
Best wishes on your task ahead as you reconstruct the UDC, we hope for
the better. Not as a document subservient to developers and a boom or a
bust- winner take all economic cycle that Montana has known too well in its
history. The "Copper Collar" of resource extraction that made a few men
wealthy beyond reason and turned not a few places into toxic superfund
sites.This is a time when you as legislators can protect this place for the
longer term in the face of the "New Anaconda Copper Company" of
speculative real estate resource extraction--
Do something shocking-- give us hope!- speak for us in the law! Against the
power of big money and reject the voracious appetite for "dumb" growth
without true vision into what makes this place so rare and precious.
One size does not fit all! Bozeman’s future depends on thoughtful,
context-sensitive planning—not the blanket “Market Urban Density”
approach that overlooks neighborhood character, livability, and the
integrity of our historic districts. Our community has spoken clearly.
Height Limits Must Protect Community Quality of Life
City must enforce a 60-foot maximum height in the B-3
zone, consistent with state law. NO Buildings rising to 90 feet!
No upzoning in historic districts or in the transition areas directly
adjacent to them. Excessive height and massing in these locations
undermine neighborhood character, walkability, and quality of life.
Support Neighborhood Rezoning and Alternatives: Bon Ton &
Centennial
Urban Forest and Natural Environment Protections Are
Essential Tree protection is fundamental to a healthy and livable
Bozeman. We expect the City will listen to the people and adopt the
Bozeman Tree Coalition’s proposed code language and
recommendations to strengthen protections for the urban forest.
Adding the word “maximum” to section 38.410.010.
All Neighborhoods Matter and Must Be Treated Fairly
Midtown has already absorbed extreme “market urbanism” density,
resulting in the loss of trees, open space, and neighborhood livability.
The City should adopt the Midtown Neighborhood Association’s
recommendations and protect remaining parcels that could become
future parks.
Rezoning North 7th Avenue (Main to Peach) to B-1 Reject B-3
expansion to East Curtiss to protect the South Tracy Historic District
from incompatible development
Conclusion
Bozeman’s growth should reflect the values of its residents: livability,
environmental stewardship, historic respect, and fairness to every
neighborhood. Rejecting one-size-fits-all “Market Urbanism."
Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to a balanced,
thoughtful UDC.
Elizabeth Darrow & Jim Walseth
Bozeman