Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-26 Public Comment - T. Friedlund - RE_ Rocky Mountain Flats – Follow-Up and Request for Implementation Transparency with Staff ResponseFrom:Tammy Friedlund To:Erin George Cc:Bozeman Public Comment; Brit Fontenot; David Fine; Bailey Minnich Subject:[EXTERNAL]RE: Rocky Mountain Flats – Follow-Up and Request for Implementation Transparency Date:Sunday, March 22, 2026 11:57:14 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Erin, Thank you for your detailed response and for clarifying the City’s role within the site plan approval process. I understand that the project has been approved based on code compliance and that conditions of approval cannot be modified at this stage. Given that, I would like to focus on gaining a clearer understanding of the underlying zoning framework and how implementation will be managed moving forward. Specifically, I would appreciate clarification on the following: When was this property designated for high-density zoning, and when did it transition from R-4 to R-C? Was this change applied through annexation, the recent development code update, or another process? What public notice and opportunity for input were provided to adjacent property owners at the time of that zoning designation or change? What criteria were used to determine that R-C zoning is appropriate for this location adjacent to established single-family neighborhoods? From a resident perspective, this raises a broader concern: if meaningful public input is limited to long-range planning processes that many residents are not aware of, and not at the point when development directly impacts adjacent neighborhoods, it creates a disconnect between the process and the community it affects. Based on the project materials and review documents, it appears that several items were unresolved or deferred at the time of approval. To better understand how these will be addressed, I respectfully request: A complete list of all conditions of approval Identification of any items that remained outstanding at the time of approval Confirmation of which items must be fully satisfied prior to: • Building permit issuance • Construction commencement • Certificate of occupancy As this project moves forward, I would also appreciate guidance on how adjacent property owners can remain informed during permitting and construction, including: Opportunities for public visibility into permit approvals Timing of infrastructure improvements (roads, water, stormwater, etc.) relative to occupancy Points of contact for reporting issues during construction Given the scale and location of this development, understanding how infrastructure, safety, and environmental considerations will be addressed in the next phases is important for surrounding residents. My goal is to remain informed and engaged as the project progresses and to better understand how the City ensures that approved projects are implemented in a way that aligns with both code requirements and real-world conditions on the ground. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Tammy Friedlund Meadow Creek Homeowner Bozeman, Montana From: Erin George <Erin.George@bozemanmt.gov> Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 4:05 PM To: Tammy Friedlund <tammy@proper.insure> Cc: Bozeman Public Comment <comments@bozemanmt.gov>; Brit Fontenot <Brit.Fontenot@bozemanmt.gov>; David Fine <David.Fine@bozemanmt.gov>; Bailey Minnich <Bailey.Minnich@bozemanmt.gov> Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL]Rocky Mountain Flats – Introduction and Follow-Up on Public Funding, Timeline, and Implementation Considerations Hi Tammy, Thanks for taking the time to compile the email below. The public comment period for the Rocky Mountain Flats site plan has closed, and the site plan was approved. We reviewed and considered all comments received during the comment period, and issued the decision based on findings of code compliance, not just by Planning staff but also staff in Engineering, Transportation, Utilities, Fire, Parks, Stormwater, Solid Waste and Water Conservation to name a few. Please see the staff report posted online via the CD Web Viewer for a summary of staff's review and findings. If you want to understand in more detail the various elements reviewed, you could also review the Bozeman Municipal Code sections cited throughout the report. We are not able to add, remove, or alter conditions of approval after a decision is issued, and we cannot require applicants to do anything that exceeds the requirements of Bozeman Municipal Code. We do, however, thank you for the feedback. I understand you were connected with the City Clerk's Office to submit a public records request to obtain the documents you were looking for. They can help if you have any questions about that process or the status of your request. I also want to share that the City is not allowed by State Law to regulate property maintenance when it comes to buildings. The state of Montana has specifically prohibited cities from adopting the International Property Maintenance Code. So once the project is built, if there are concerns about maintenance you will need to contact property management for the facility itself. Regarding the financing, I asked David Fine in Economic Development to provide additional information on how that process works, as the Affordable Housing Ordinance is administered by their Dept. I'm including his words here for your information: My understanding is that the MT board of housing approves tax credit allocations on a semi- annual cycle. This process is separate and discrete from the city’s zoning review. There is no state process I know of that distinctly notifies adjacent property owners and gives them the opportunity to comment on these projects. The Montana Board of Housing takes public comment from anyone during their noticed and regularly scheduled meetings. The Public Hearing we hold is required as one small part of the financing process and it is not for the MT Board of Housing. The hearing is required as part of the tax exemption process managed by the Montana Department of Revenue. I have never heard of an applicant being denied during that process, and the City Commission has no action to take. We simply host the public hearing. We will notice and reschedule that public hearing if the applicant requests it. Regarding your requests at the end of your email relating to response to complaints and parking enforcement, the City of Bozeman Neighborhood Services Dept handles all code violation and parking complaints and does have both code enforcement officers and parking enforcement officers on staff. However, they only enforce parking on public streets. Once the project is built, parking complaints can be filed online here. There is a separate webpage for Code Compliance that includes a link for online complaints, a phone number and info regarding common issues. I hope this information is helpful and you're enjoying our early spring weather! Sincerely, Erin George Director | Community Development City of Bozeman | 20 East Olive St. | P.O. Box 1230 | Bozeman, MT 59771P: 406.582.2260 | E: egeorge@bozeman.net | From: Tammy Friedlund <tammy@proper.insure> Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2026 8:49 AM To: Erin George <Erin.George@bozemanmt.gov>; Brit Fontenot <Brit.Fontenot@bozemanmt.gov>; csanders@bozeman.net <csanders@bozeman.net> Cc: Planning <planning@bozemanmt.gov>; Bozeman Public Comment <comments@bozemanmt.gov> Subject: [EXTERNAL]Rocky Mountain Flats – Introduction and Follow-Up on Public Funding, Timeline, and Implementation Considerations CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, My name is Tammy Friedlund, and I am a homeowner in the Meadow Creek neighborhooddirectly adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Flats development. I am reaching out to introducemyself and share concerns regarding this project as it moves forward. I appreciate the City’s efforts to address housing needs and understand the importance ofworkforce and affordable housing within our community. My intent is not to opposedevelopment, but to ensure that this project is implemented in a way that is compatible withthe surrounding neighborhood and does not create avoidable long-term impacts. I would also like to share additional information I recently reviewed that I believe is importantcontext. Based on materials from the Montana Board of Housing, key financing components for thisproject were approved well in advance of the public notice period for the site plan.Specifically, a Multifamily Program Loan was approved in February 2025, and a bondresolution authorizing up to $73,000,000 in financing was approved on July 14, 2025. Given that the public comment period for the site plan occurred January 12 through February 3, 2026, this suggests that significant financial commitments and project advancementoccurred prior to adjacent property owners being notified or having an opportunity to comment. Additionally, residents were informed that financing was not yet finalized and that ahearing was scheduled for March 10, 2026, which appears inconsistent with the timing of these earlier approvals. I share this to better understand how project sequencing, notice, and public input arecoordinated for developments of this scale. Given the level of public investment and the granting of cost waivers, it is reasonable toexpect that this project meets a higher standard for infrastructure readiness, safety, andlong-term performance. With that in mind, I respectfully request that the following items be carefully addressed during permitting, construction, and implementation: 1. Parking and Spillover Impacts The proposed parking ratio (222 spaces for 296 units) does not appear sufficient for this location. Given limited transit access, it is reasonable to expect reliance on personal vehicles. A defined parking enforcement and overflow mitigation plan is needed to protect adjacent neighborhoods. 2. Traffic and Safety Increased density will significantly impact traffic along Stucky Road, Fowler Avenue, and nearby residential streets. I have requested the traffic study for review and would appreciate the opportunity to evaluate the assumptions used. There are currently no bike lanes or safe shoulders, and these roads are already hazardous, particularly during winter months. Safety mitigation measures are critical. 3. Neighborhood Compatibility and Scale The scale and height of the proposed buildings differ from surrounding single-family homes and existing 2–3 story residences. Consideration should be given to buffering, landscaping, lighting controls, and design transitions to better align with the existing neighborhood. 4. Infrastructure Alignment Infrastructure improvements should be aligned with occupancy to prevent strain on existing systems. Current conditions already present challenges, and additional density will increase that burden if not addressed. 5. Water Capacity and Pressure Meadow Creek already operates under water restrictions, and residents experience low water pressure. A clear analysis of system capacity and any required upgrades should be provided and completed prior to occupancy. 6. Wildlife Corridor Impacts This area functions as a wildlife corridor. I respectfully request access to any wildlife analysis conducted and that mitigation measures such as open space planning and lighting controls—be incorporated. 7. Public Safety Services (Law and Fire) A development of this scale will increase demand on police, fire, and emergency services. It is important to confirm that adequate service capacity and response times will be maintained. 8. Property Management Accountability The long-term success of this development will depend heavily on property management. Based on publicly available information and feedback from similar developments, concerns have been raised regarding maintenance standards, responsiveness, and long-term upkeep. I respectfully request that the City require: Defined maintenance standards Timely response requirements for complaints Parking and nuisance enforcement Clear accountability mechanisms While I understand the project has been approved, I believe this is an important opportunity toensure that implementation is done thoughtfully and responsibly for both future residents andthe existing community. I appreciate your time and consideration and would welcome any opportunity to betterunderstand how these concerns are being addressed. Sincerely, Tammy FriedlundMeadow Creek HomeownerBozeman, Montana