HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-26 Public Comment - K. Tripp - Fw_ Public Comment on Fowler Avenue Housing DevelopmentFrom:Contact Harvest Creek Owners" Association
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Fw: Public Comment on Fowler Avenue Housing Development
Date:Friday, April 17, 2026 6:08:44 PM
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From: Kristen Read <kristenannapurna@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2026 10:37 AM
To: agenda@bozeman.net <agenda@bozeman.net>
Cc: Contact Harvest Creek Owners' Association <contact@harvestcreekmt.org>
Subject: Public Comment on Fowler Avenue Housing Development
To whom it may concern,
As a civically engaged resident who regularly attends City Commission meetings, I am writing to expressmy strong opposition to the current Fowler Housing Development proposal.
My home borders this project, and I am concerned about the plan to place 4-5 story buildings on anarrow parcel that lacks a sufficient roadway buffer from our backyards. This density is a drasticdeparture from the low-density neighborhood I have lived in for eight years. Beyond the loss of ourviewshed and privacy, I am worried about the environmental impact. This area is home to foxes, deer,and pheasants, and many bird species. According to records, the 2017 purchase agreement for this landexplicitly committed to preserving green space and the irrigation ditch. A high density housing projectdoes not meet those commitments or agreements made upon purchase. Perhaps this property would bebetter served as green space, or a native vegetation/xeriscape example area that allows for a privacybuffer between our backyards and fence and the pending construction of the roadway?
I challenge the city to take a step back and check on the larger vision and need here and vacancy ratesfor nearby similar four story developments (behind Home Depot) and revisit if this property is actually wellsuited for this type of development. Assuming current design proposals indicate and based on 'affordablehousing calculations' these units are not truly affordable, are not an appropriate design for the buildablespace on the property (once accounting for proper set backs and safety considerations for fire trucks andambulances) and additionally more than a two story building will likely DECREASE our property values.
I am also extremely concerned about the potential for multiple years of construction noise and dust (dueto road construction followed by a potential housing development), which pose a direct health risk to myasthmatic son and will certainly substantially impact the personal enjoyment of our homes andbackyards.
I request that the City honor the consensus-based process promised to the Harvest Creek HOA andrequire a full environmental and traffic study before considering ANY development design and perhapstake into consideration that this property is NOT the ideal location for a housing project but might bebetter suited to a park or green space that can be enjoyed by all including bird and wildlife. We mustprioritize a design that reflects the scale of our neighborhood, such as the Bridger View model, ratherthan forcing high-density urban structures into this sensitive transition zone.
While I fully support the idea of pursuing solutions to affordable housing in Bozeman, I invite you toreassess if this particular property is really the best location, the right size and given the metrics provided,
is even a viable solution to affordable housing. From what I have seen and understand about the metrics,
it is NOT a solution, but another development project that does not offer a viable solution to the affordable
housing challenge and also negatively impacts taxpayer property values, quality of life and enjoyment oftheir homes.
I would encourage the City to reconsider pursuit of high density development on this property - it is simplyNOT the right place for it.
Thank you,
Kristen Tripp 1079 New Holland