HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-26 Public Comment - N. Anselmi - Fowler Housing Plan From: Nigel Anselmi
To: Bozeman Public Comment
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Fowler Housing Plan
Date: Thursday, March 12,2026 11:45:22 AM
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Hello City Commissioners,
My name is Nigel Anselmi. I'm a proud husband and father of two young children, 8 months and 2
years old, and we live at 1205 New Holland in the Harvest Creek neighborhood. We recently moved
here with an understanding of the proposed Fowler housing plans, and I would like to share my
perspective as you consider zoning decisions for that area.
I was born and raised in Bozeman, a town I love for its small-town character and strong connection
to the outdoors. Even with the dramatic growth we've experienced, Bozeman has managed to
preserve much of the charm that makes it special. I recognize the difficult position the Commission
faces in balancing growth, housing needs, and the character of our neighborhoods. I support
thoughtful growth and understand the need to create more housing opportunities in Bozeman.
Many of my childhood friends have had to move away because of rising rent and home prices, which
is why I appreciate the importance of planning carefully as our city continues to grow.
At the same time, one of the defining qualities of Bozeman is our access to parks,trails, and green
space.The area behind Fowler is already used regularly by residents seeking a quiet place to walk
and enjoy nature.The trails there are well-used, and it's common to see people taking advantage of
that space. While the proposed road will inevitably change the character of the area, preserving as
much green space as possible within city limits is incredibly valuable for a community that values the
outdoors so deeply. Bozeman has long prioritized access to trails, parks, and open space as part of
what makes our community livable and unique. Preserving spaces like the Fowler area aligns with
those values and helps maintain the quality of life that attracts families to Bozeman.
My family chose to move to Harvest Creek because it is a welcoming, child-friendly neighborhood
with a strong sense of community. I have family members who grew up just a few blocks from where
we now live, and their experience here helped influence our decision to move to the area.
Introducing high-density housing directly between two established single-family neighborhoods
would significantly change the character of the area and could impact the stability and long-term
value of homes owned by residents who have invested years building equity here. It would also
create a sharp transition in scale and density that may not be compatible with the surrounding
development pattern.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Commission to reconsider zoning this parcel for high-density
development and instead explore zoning it as a park or single-family residential. Either option would
better fit the surrounding neighborhoods while preserving valuable green space that benefits the
broader community.
As someone who grew up here and is now raising my own family in Bozeman, I care deeply about
the future of this community. I support responsible growth, but I believe it is important that we
pursue it in ways that maintain the character, livability, and outdoor access that have always made
Bozeman such a special place to call home.
Thank you for your time, your service, and for considering my perspective.
Sincerely,
Nigel Anselmi