HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-25 Public Comment - N. Burke - Concern About Zoning Change and Future of S Tracy Ave & Curtiss StFrom:Natalie Burke
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Concern About Zoning Change and Future of S Tracy Ave & Curtiss St
Date:Friday, November 28, 2025 6:00:46 PM
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Dear Commission,
My name is Natalie, and I am the daughter of homeowners on South Tracy
Avenue. As a little kid, some of my fondest memories revolve around the
small-town feel, the historic streets, and the character of areas like Curtiss. The
history stored within this district are part of what keeps the excitement and
charm of coming back to visit. That character and feel are also what has my
own family and I planing to move to Bozeman in about eight years, when my
spouse retires from the Air Force. Even if we can’t put down our own roots in
this specific neighborhood, it’s this neighborhood that drives the charm of the
city and makes us want to call it home. As a new mom, the culture, safety, and
beauty of a historic district are exactly what I want my child to grow up in.
What has set our favorite mountain towns apart from the big box generic,
privileged towns is the embracing and enhancing of history, landmarks, and
structures. The larger Bozeman culture is so intertwined with the historic
district that the city will fundamentally change with a rezone. We are so
disinterested in another town that has lost its charm and erased its historic
districts.
We are so excited that Bozeman is growing and appreciate the investments in
buildings such as this. However, rezoning that cuts into the historic district for
such investments come at a great cost. Why are historic districts protected in
the first place? As a country, we have recognized the benefit for preserving
historic identity, cultural heritage, and even economic benefit. And yes, we
may say, “Ah, it’s just a block, it won’t do such damage to an entire district. A
block won’t hurt our city, our culture, our economy.” Maybe, but the precedent
this sets is that if the offer looks good enough, we’ll budge. And if it’s just a
block, why not have the project build on a block that isn’t historically
protected.
I respectfully ask that you vote against this zoning change. Protect this historic
block, preserve the heart of Bozeman. Do it for the families who live here today
and those, like mine, who hope to call it home in the years ahead.
Thank you,
Natalie