HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-26 Public Comment - M. Center - Fowler Housing Development - public commentFrom:Meredith Center
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Fowler Housing Development - public comment
Date:Friday, April 17, 2026 12:45:46 PM
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I am writing regarding the Fowler Housing Development proposal between Oak and AnnieStreets. Living at 1026 New Holland Drive, I am alarmed by the city's plan to build up to 84
units into a narrow 150-foot parcel directly bordering our backyards. This proposal lacks theroadway buffers standard in other Bozeman developments and pushes parking and alleyways
right against existing property lines. The resulting noise, light pollution, and vehicle emissionswill severely impact our livability and the sense of community we have built here.
The traffic plan is equally problematic. Directing 168 cars through residential streets like
Farmall and Caterpillar, which were never designed for this volume, creates a significant safetyrisk for my children who play and bike in this neighborhood. I am saddened to raise both the
recent death of a pedestrian very close to this area as well as the incident only last week wherea middle schooler was hit by a car while he was riding his bike, just south of this area. Higher
density such as the housing development proposed should be served by arterial access, yet noentrance is planned from Fowler Avenue itself.
Additionally, the city must be transparent about the financial reality of this project. We were
told this was for affordable housing – and this is the language used to garner support –butprices of $650,000 remain high for many Bozeman residents so the end game remains unclear
– why is the city so committed to putting houses in this small space that would still seeminglybe unaffordable, given the current prices of construction?
Further, the city committed in 2017 to preserve our green spaces and irrigation ditches, and
this high-rise proposal violates that promise. I ask the Commission to honor the consensus-based engagement process promised to the HOA and move toward a lower-density model like
Bridger View that respects our neighborhood’s character and environmental health.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
Meredith Center