HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-15 Garrigues Fw_ Comment on Eminent Domain Request A13002From: jgarrigues@sbcglobal.net
To: Agenda
Subject: Fw: Comment on Eminent Domain Request A13002
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 10:42:05 PM
City of Bozeman
City Commission and Department of Community Development
20 E. Olive., P.O. Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
agenda@bozeman.net
Re: Bridger Center Annexation file A13002
Dear Bozeman City Commission,
I am writing in response to Tom Murphy's request to utilize eminent domain to take the
park space adjacent to my home.
I am totally AGAINST granting his request of the city to use eminent domain to not only
take park space from our community, but to also change the tone of our neighborhood. As
not only a homeowner in the Village Green Section of Bridger Creek, but also the house
directly adjacent to the proposed condemnation, I feel it would significantly devalue my
home, not only from a monetary standpoint, but also intrinsically.
Specific to the request of eminent domain, my understanding is that it should only be used
in an extreme circumstance to provide benefit to the entire community. If eminent domain
were granted in this situation, it would impact our community negatively, while only
providing benefit to one. Bozeman is very proud of its trail system and to interrupt it would
not be right. The whole community benefits now from the trail in that area which leads to
the wonderful park and open space and gives access to the waterway. The trail leading
from Boylan Drive is the “entryway corridor” to this park. I know the city is familiar with this
term, and the building Murphy proposes on this land would impact this corridor far worse
than the green tarp building does on Rouse.
Granting emergency access for utilities from Boylan would lead to not only more houses
creating runoff from their roofs, driveways and lawns and take away open space that is so
desirable for the wildlife and wetlands.
As a resident that observes the water table of Murphy’s land first hand, I feel that the city
would be acting irresponsibly to encourage anyone to build on that land. Flooding is
regular.
Although I wish no ill will to Mr. Murphy, he knew when he bought the land at a fire sale
price what the conditions were. I propose that he seek to sell it to Gallatin Valley Land
Trust, or an equivalent and I believe the City should actively support this.
I am a citizen, just like this man and I do not wish the City of Bozeman to incur great
expenses for one person's gain. This access would affect a whole community negatively.
This area was zoned as suburban agriculture for a reason and the financial gains of one
individual should not outweigh the entire Bridger Creek and Bozeman communities.
I reiterate, I am totally AGAINST his request.
Respectfully,
Judith Garrigues
1050 Boylan Road, #1
Bozeman, MT 59715