HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-26-15 Porter Bridger Center CommentFrom: Helen Porter
To: Agenda
Subject: Bridger Center Comment
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2015 12:38:46 PM
Please accept this comment on the proposed request to use
Eminent Domain in order to allow an inexperienced developer to
build on land now enjoyed by the community of Bozeman and
Gallatin County. Please deny this fallacious use of Eminent Domain
so that an individual can make himself a profit.
The proposal by Tom Murphy, which is to be heard March 2, 2015
at 6pm, is not in the best interests of the general public. Bridger
Creek, in which I am a homeowner, has never allowed ingress to
this property not only because the developer hasn't shown he has
a cogent and environmentally sound plan, but because this land is
adjacent to the trails which are managed by the Gallatin Valley
Land Trust and the City of Bozeman. These trails are heavily used
by the public and also are sensitive wetlands that should be
carefully preserved as Open Space.
It is my understanding that Tom Murphy bought this property
under the mistaken impression that there was an an easement
allowed by Bridger Creek Homeowners' Association. He failed to
use Due Diligence before buying the property. Bridger Creek has
never allowed this easement for sound reasons which can be
found in the minutes of its Board meetings.
The use of the Eminent Domain argument is erroneous and illegal,
and it violates the public's trust; the City of Bozeman must ensure
that the public's best interests, not simply the monetary interests
of one person, are protected.
Thank you for hearing my comment, and I hope you will deny this
use of Eminent Domain.
Best,
Helen Hadley Porter
Box 32
Bozeman, MT 59771