HomeMy WebLinkAboutWestbrook Zoning Public Comment from Maggie Beardsley 4-7-14From:Beardslee, Maggie
To:Agenda
Subject:Westbrook Zoning Map - P13047 or P13296
Date:Monday, April 07, 2014 4:06:49 PM
We are writing this as we as unsure if we will be able to make the meeting tonight. While online it
does state that this particular discussion may take place next week (much better for me, however, my
fiancé will be out of town), we felt we needed to make sure this information was stated for the City
and/or County Commissioners knowledge for public protest on the rezoning of this parcel of land. As
well, due to a lack of exact information regarding the proposal this is either in reference to P13047 or
P13296.
Dear City and County Commissioners,
Due to scheduling conflicts, we are unable to attend the city commission meeting scheduled for April
7th, 2014 at 5:00 pm. However, as residents of the Crystal Morning Condominiums HOA (we live on
Rosa Way), we have a vested interest into the future outlook of out community. The Westbrook
subdivision will be our backyard neighbor. Through the plans that the builders and owners of the
projected subdivision have submitted, there are several zoning changes proposed. We are speaking to
just one of them, as many of the smaller changes seem to make logical sense and will provide a more
cohesive outlook for the parks and residential areas. One, however, causes much frustration and
concern for us and many people living nearby.
The proposal calls for 5 (+/-) acres to be changed to an R-4 zoning district in relation to its current R-3
zoning. With this change, builders will be allowed to build up to an 8-plex building on a single lot,
much higher density. While we are fully accepting of change and excited to have new neighbors in our
backyard, buildings of this magnitude will quickly damage the current cozy feeling in the area. The
condos and town homes on Rosa Way are filled with young families and business professionals. Many
people living here bought their homes in the peak of the market and have since been forced to put
their lives on hold in order for home prices to increase. While this is an argument in and of itself, the
value of the homes in the area, as well as, the continuity of the neighborhood feeling will take a drastic
nose dive if, in our backyards, there is a series of 8-plex homes built.
As has already been pointed out during the County Commission meeting two weeks ago, the proposed
lot for rezoning is a small, wetland area filled with wildlife and close to our newest elementary school,
Meadowlark. As well, after studying the map of the other R-4 zoning districts in the area, most of the
higher density zoning is owned by the same development company - Four Corners Construction, LLC.
Why then would they be proposing to upgrade the zoning to higher density here, between the Rosa
Way Condos and a nice babbling brook, a very small piece of property, than build their proposed
housing on another parcel they already own? Such a proposal leads us to believe that the builders are
looking to turn a nice profit rather than provide a sustainable, cohesive neighborhood environment.
The last point to be made consists of the public knowledge regarding this particular re-zoning proposal.
As a "new" owner of a condo within this subdivision, we understand it takes time for new purchases to
be documented within the city's database. However, the certified letter regarding this particular change
was delivered to our home with the names of the previous owners. Therefore, we were unable to sign
for it or look at the contents. There are three other purchases of properties in the area in the last six
months and after speaking with the other occupants, two of the three had no knowledge regarding the
zoning change as they were in our same position regarding the certified letter. Only after speaking
with some more established neighbors did we find out about the meetings. Additionally, since the
county meeting two weeks ago, we, and others in the area, were specifically looking out for the public
notice posting in the neighborhood. We saw the posting, located in a dead-end road adjacent to the
proposed zoning parcel change, approximately a week and a half ago. However, when we went to
read the sign just two days later, the sign was gone. How long should these city postings be up and
available for the public? Should it still be posted up until the date of the meeting so everyone has a
chance to see it? Is there any specific requirements regarding where they should be posted? This is
being asked as the location where the sign was placed is set back substantially from the main driving
routes for residents. Only if they were on the lookout for it, as we were, would it be seen.
To complete this letter, this change would significantly alter the lives of many families in the
neighborhood. This is a tucked-in, small community of families and young professionals looking for a
safe, homey environment to raise children. We are looking to build equity, whereas a change in
zoning of this nature will quickly alter this ability, perhaps even decrease our home values. Many of us
purchased homes based on the zoning of the land directly behind the condos on Rosa, solely knowing
that it wouldn't become an apartment complex. In addition, there seems to be a focus on building for
profit in this particular area, rather than taking into consideration the additional areas where such
buildings could be developed. It seems as though the developers are looking to squeeze maximum
profits out of a small five-acre parcel instead of taking into consideration the tight-knit community
already established in the area. Lastly, the lack of information regarding this particular development
has become an issue. Not only are new residents unable to read letters regarding this change, but the
public notice signs were placed in nondescript locations and only posted for an incredibly short amount
of time.
Please consider this as you vote on the rezoning. Again, due to scheduling conflicts we are unable to
attend this meeting. We will, however, be following this closely through the updates online and in the
newspapers.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Ben Guttormson and Maggie Beardslee
739 Unit B Rosa Way
Bozeman, MT 59718
-- Maggie BeardsleeSacajawea Middle Schoolmaggie.beardslee@bsd7.org