HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-15 Grace, Murphy, Public CommentAndrew Grace
1051 Boylan Road
Bozeman, Montana 59715
(406) 581-9821
February 27, 2015
Re: Bridger Center LLC Request for the City Commission to Initiate Eminent Domain Proceedings Against
the Private Park in Bridger Creek Phase 1 to Provide Utility and Emergency Access for development of
Certificate of Survey 885.
Dear Sirs,
As a landowner who lives within 200 feet of the stated property I am OPPOSED to the consideration of
using eminent domain to provide an access easement for development of Certificate of Survey 885 via
Boylan Road.
First, there is no current public benefit of using eminent domain in this request. The lot is currently
vacant. The greatest potential benefit would be to Bridger Center LLC who plans to develop the
property. Eminent domain is prohibited for use for economic development.
The argument that services are needed from Boylan Road represents a matter of convenience, not of
necessity. Utility and emergency access could be made available via Commercial Drive.
Furthermore, the proposed easement would cross the Bozeman Trail System which could present an
issue with public safety.
Simply put, the property in question is not entitled to access from adjoining private property that the
developer wants it to have. This request is outside the intended scope of eminent domain, and it should
not be the responsibility of the City to consider requests for access easements over private property out
of matters of convenience. This is an issue which needs to be resolved between the Bridger Center, LLC
and adjacent property holders.
Respectfully ,
Andrew Grace