HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-25 Public Comment - N. Nakamura - UDC final hearing commentsFrom:Natsuki Nakamura
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UDC final hearing comments
Date:Monday, December 15, 2025 12:50:20 PM
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Dear Commission,
Thank you for incorporating several improvements to the proposed UDC update, including:
language submitted by the BTC to preserve natural terrain and existing vegetation to themaximum extent possible; increased meeting space requirements for fraternities/sororities to
more realistically and successfully support growing groups; and neighborhood-led proposalsto modify the zoning for the Centennial Park and Bon Ton neighborhoods. I support the
Commission keeping this language in their final adoption of the UDC.
I also support the Commission's proposal to reduce the maximum height allowance of B3 to70 ft (or even 60 ft). I know the Commission has received some pushback on this proposal, but
I hope this language will remain in the final adoption of the UDC.
Some advocating to return to 90 ft have said they need the additional height to properlyprovide more affordable housing in our core area (rather than other parts of town); if that is
their goal, the AHO is still an option to get additional height in exchange for affordablehousing.
One developer appealed to "process," arguing that making this change at this point in the UDC
conversation is poor process. But residents for years have been advocating for less density andheight given out by-right to reduce redevelopment pressures, especially when the new
development is not helping us reach our need to house our workforce. I was surprised to hearthis particular developer appeal to process, given his involvement with the Boutique Hotel,
which had its first hearing postponed day-of, their watercourse setback deviation request voteddown by the Commission 1-3 in their rescheduled hearing, and then was granted another
chance for a hearing without going through (and paying for) the typical appeal process, wherethey successfully got approval 3-2. This developer has also allegedly harassed residents in and
out of the city meetings.
Finally, I take issue with the idea that the increase to 90 ft in B3 helps preserve the integrity ofsurrounding neighborhoods and open parklands. This is a false trade-off. Allowing taller
buildings does not prevent the loss of parklands and neighborhoods; we will just build both upand out, especially if new tall buildings are not meeting our housing needs. Efforts like the
BTC's to strengthen language protecting existing natural features, and like the Bon Ton's todevelop the modified R-A that adds infill while preserving historic structures are how we
preserve our neighborhoods and greenspaces. Incentives through the AHO or a developergoing through the PDZ process is a way to make trade-offs explicit, if specific projects do
wish to have additional height and can make their case of the benefit being provided to thecommunity.
Thank you for your consideration and for voting to approve an improved UDC thanks to
resident input.
Natsuki NakamuraBozeman resident