HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-25 Public Comment - E. Talago - Public Comment re_ UDC updateFrom:Emily Talago
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment re: UDC update
Date:Tuesday, December 16, 2025 12:06:45 PM
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Dear Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Commissioners
Thank you for acknowledging that Midtown needs attention in this UDC update. I appreciatethat recognition. That said, I’m disappointed that none of the suggested edits from Midtown
stakeholders were incorporated. Kicking these issues down the road is a disservice, especiallywhen we already see the consequences playing out in real time.
The current discussion around reconsidering B-3 height illustrates this perfectly: reducingdevelopment rights only becomes harder as time goes on. Objectively, there is nothing
inherently wrong with 90-foot buildings — the conflict is about where they are placed.Location matters, and given the current footprint of B-3 zoning, I urge you to respect the
request for 60 feet.
Alternatively and preferentially, I strongly urge you to split this action into two motions: one
to adopt the text of the UDC, and a second to adopt the map. Once the text is finalized, pleasetake the time to think critically about the map. These conflicts will not resolve themselves.
Finally, as you consider zones with no maximums—only minimums—for density, I ask you toconsider a fundamental question: what can the city responsibly service? Can every parcel
realistically be built out to that level? And if not, what assurance does any property ownerhave that they will be able to achieve highest and best use?
If development potential and service capacity are concentrated on a limited number of parcels,the remaining property owners are effectively left without opportunity. That is precisely why it
is critical to evaluate the map in the context of service capacity and equity across properties.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Emily Talago
Midtown Resident