HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-26 Public Comment - T. LeCain - Hanson Lane AnnexationFrom:Timothy James LeCain
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Hanson Lane Annexation
Date:Sunday, April 12, 2026 9:01:59 AM
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Hello,
Regarding Application 25775 for the Hanson Laneannexation and rezoning, I am writing to express mystrong opposition to the proposed R-B designation. Iam not opposed to using this space for reasonablyhigh density housing, including even some well-designed two-story four or six unit structures. Havinglived near this area at 3147 Rose Street for overtwenty years, I have seen our community evolve, andI regularly attend City Commission meetings toensure Bozeman grows responsibly. But proposing a45-foot, five-story mixed-use zone directly adjacentto R-1 and R-2 single-family homes is extremely unfairto the citizens who bought home in this area with theexpectation that its subsequent development wouldbe at least somewhat in keeping with its current state.
The proposal is a clear case of spot zoning thatignores the established character of the HarvestCreek neighborhood. The Community Plan’s UrbanNeighborhood designation does not mandate this
level of intensity; R-A zoning would much moreappropriately satisfy development goals whilemaintaining a density of six units per acre.Furthermore, this proposal lacks the necessaryinfrastructure to support such vertical density. Thisarea is over a mile from the nearest shopping servicesand lacks reliable transit, making R-B zoningpremature and misplaced.
I'd be more supportive if earlier zoning had carvedout space for the commercial spaces that wouldcreate a walkable neighborhood, but this is no longera possibility--residents of these new houses will needand will have cars.
I am also deeply concerned about the extension ofAnnie Street into our neighborhood. Withoutdefinitive traffic calming measures, this creates adangerous through-way for vehicles heading towardEmily Dickinson Elementary, putting our children atrisk. Drivers already race through the connectorstreets we have, and the city has been deeplynegligent in not pushing the Bozeman police toenforce traffic regulations more aggressively. Theresults are already evident, as we have seen with therecent tragic deaths of two citizens on Oak Street.
Before the City Commission moves forward with avote, I formally request a comprehensiveenvironmental and traffic impact study to evaluatehow this change will affect our local safety andecosystem. We must avoid setting a precedent thatallows high-density corridors to dismantle thelivability of our established residential areas.
Again, I am not opposed to using this space forsomewhat higher density housing. However, what iscurrently planned is deeply unfair to the homeowners who bought in the belief that the city woulddevelop this small area wisely and fairly. Surely wecan find a compromise that serves both the need formore housing and the rights and interests of citizenswho have invested millions of dollars into thisneighborhood and community.
Respectfully,
Tim LeCain3147 Rose Street