HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-06-26 Public Comment - L. Sippel - Fowler Housing ProjectFrom:Lauri Sippel
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:grgilpin@gmail.com; reneeanddavid53@gmail.com
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Fowler Housing Project
Date:Wednesday, December 31, 2025 3:06:38 PM
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Hello Good People -
It has come to my attention there is an issue concerning the development of the land my fathersold to the city for the purpose of extending Fowler Avenue between Oak and Durston.
One of the conditions of the sale stated:
"The Purchaser agrees to preserve existing trees, open spaces, and irrigation ditches on the
property to the best of their abilities with the future Oak Street and Fowler Land roadwayimprovement projects."
The community group, Friends of the Fowler Connector, were able to ensure the road was
located to preserve the trees and riparian habitat. Bravo!
However, per communication from the Westside Community members, the current proposalfor high density housing does not honor this condition; for several reasons.
The primary problem with the existing proposal is the change from open-space designation to
development. It appears the city misrepresented their intended use for the land, stating to myfather that the purchase price was based on extending the road and preserving open space, not
development. Because land used for development is significantly more expensive than landused for roads and greenspaces, the city stands to make an inappropriate profit off land that we
did not intend to sell in the first place. At the time of the sale, we were told in very clear termsif we did not accept the proposal to sell the land for the purpose of extending the road, the city
would exercise their right of eminent domain.
Notwithstanding the above stated issue, there is concern with the density of the proposeddevelopment plan, which does not include greenspace sufficient to be considered preservation-
focused, again, per the the understanding with which the land was sold.
I am writing to remind City leadership of the preservation obligations tied to the sale, andallow you to remember the parcel was not intended for an intensive residential build-out.
Bozeman is a beautiful and warm community, held dear in the hearts of those of us fortunateto have been raised there, and equally precious to current citizens. While the proposed
development project would provide additional housing, please remember the importance ofincluding accessible green and open space inside city limits. Research has shown greenspaces
not only provide benefits to the environment (reducing pollution, enhancing air quality, habitatfor small animals and wild plants), they also enhance the image of a city, and increase nearby
property values. High quality of life includes fresh air and easy access to nature, andreminders of the peaceful energy that comes from residing in a mountain community. The
land could easily be used for easily lower density housing with accessible greenspace, orsimply as greenspace, allowing current residents and students a place in which to connect to
nature and recharge in our ever-increasingly busy world.
Please remember your job as stewards of the treasured resources of your city and reconsiderthis proposal for re-zoning into high density housing with insufficient greenspace.
Warmly,
Lauri Sippel
503-348-3242