HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-25 Public Comment - N. Jabaut - Public Comment AGAINST Adoption of Ordinance 2151From:Nicole J
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment AGAINST Adoption of Ordinance 2151
Date:Monday, December 1, 2025 2:33:54 PM
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I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed down-zoning- specifically the change from RB +
RC zoning to RA- that would limit buildings in this area to a maximum of two units perstructure.
This zoning downgrade does not reflect the realities of a growing city, nor does it serve thelong-term interests of Bozeman’s residents. Some existing, multi-unit buildings in the
downtown area, while older and grandfathered in, demonstrate a simple fact: higher-densityhousing occupies less land, preserves more open space, and reduces pressure on the
urban/wildland boundary. Concentrating residents in a smaller footprint is a responsible andsustainable approach in a mountain town surrounded by sensitive ecosystems and finite
developable acreage.
Restricting future buildings to only two units per structure would not protect the character of
our community; it would simply limit who is able to live here. Many people: teachers, serviceworkers, young professionals, seniors, and others cannot afford large single-family homes.
Multi-unit buildings provide access to safe, stable, centrally located housing close to jobs,transit, and essential services. Down-zoning this block to RA would push these residents
farther from town, increasing traffic, reducing economic diversity, and deepening theaffordability crisis Bozeman is already struggling with.
This proposal also reflects an exclusionary “not in my backyard” mindset that prioritizespersonal preferences over community needs. Bozeman’s growth challenges will not be solved
by limiting housing options or by creating barriers for people who want to live and contributehere. Instead, we should be encouraging smart density- especially in established
neighborhoods with existing infrastructure- so we can protect what makes Bozeman specialwhile still allowing it to remain livable and accessible.
For these reasons, I urge the City to reject the text and map and instead take this back to thedrawing board to continue supporting housing policies that balance environmental
stewardship, affordability, and equitable access. These changes were introduced by an oldergeneration and it sorely shows.
Best,
Nicole Jabaut406-600-6944