HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-06-26 Public Comment - Z. Osman - No Free 90 feet in B-3From:Zehra Osman
To:Bozeman Public Comment; Joey Morrison; asweeney@bozeman.net; Jennifer Madgic; Douglas Fischer; EmmaBode
Subject:[EXTERNAL]No Free 90 feet in B-3
Date:Tuesday, January 6, 2026 11:33:59 AM
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Honorable City Commission,
I voted for Mayor Morrison for the same reasons New Yorkers voted for Mayor Mamdani: a moreaffordable Bozeman and especially more affordable housing. This is why I was shocked and disappointed
that then-Deputy Mayor Morrison voted in favor of giving away the above-60-foot B-3 height to out-of-
town developers/investors at the 12/16/25 hearing. Then-Commissioner (now Deputy Mayor) Fischer's
height increase amendment was not only first introduced at Second Reading for what should be a two
Reading process, it was introduced at the Second Reading AFTER public comments had ended. As with
Mayor Morrison's campaign, Deputy Mayor Fischer's and Commissioner Bode's campaigns also stated they
would support affordable housing.
What a depressing way to start the new year and new commission. We thought this was going to be a new
era of affordable Bozeman with a stronger commitment to affordable housing thus started off with gifting
out-of-town developers/investors with what amounts to free added height so they can "occupy" the skyline
views of our beautiful valley and mountains.
For this reason, I am in agreement with Michelle Osman's Bozeman Daily Chronicle guest column titled,
"City Commission’s multi-million $$$ Xmas gift to out-of-town developers." We shouldn't be giving this
height away for free. We should require affordable housing or cash-in-lieu of affordable housing in order to
design/build above 70 feet.
Allowing for implementation on Feb 1 will have significant and irrevocable impacts, such as the immediateloss of millions of developer donation obligations to Affordable Housing funds for already approved
projects such as E Babcock and others. Please beware that allowing for the increase to 90’ on February 1
and then later trying to downzone to 70’ would expose the City to future takings claims. The City Attorney's
may require some more thought, since he may have been caught off guard with Mr. Fischer's amendment on
12/16/25. Additionally, if the Commission was willing to reconsider and reverse Mr. Paine's setback
decision, they should be willing to reconsider and reverse the B3 height amendment which has much greater
adverse consequences for the city.
This 90-foot increase has many unintended consequences and will surely start your "new era" off on the
wrong foot.
Please pause this before the February 1 effective date or irreparable harm will be done. Developers will
submit amended site plan applications, which will be approved administratively, and we'll get no affordable
housing or money for it, while we destroy our skyline for luxury development. Investors who do not care
about Bozeman or affordability do not need to be given free occupation of our skyline.
Please act now!
Respectfully,
Zehra Osman
59718