HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-15 Naubauer, Cattail Public Comment April 2, 2015 Commissioners Regarding Phase 2A of the Cattail Creek Subdivision: If the requested relaxations on this project are granted, it will have several qualities that could contribute to keeping the price on these homes relatively low, (small lots, narrow street widths, reduced setbacks, shared walls, no dedicated snow storage). Unfortunately, the potential savings gained by relaxations on this project are countered by the expected size of each unit. It was anticipated that they would primarily be four bedroom, two bath, two car garage units, with 2000-2200 SF of living space. Such properties will not likely come to market in the “affordable” target of under 225K. The city has design guidelines that should be relaxed ONLY when conditions of a site necessitate, (not the case here) OR when a project endeavors to address specific issues like density, infill, or affordability. IF the justification for granting these relaxations is to generate affordable housing, I believe the Commission should consider capping the square footage of living space on a percentage of these lots. Thoughtful development can create desirable 1600 SF homes. These smaller units can bring diversity into the design, hold their value, AND come to the market at an “affordable price.” If we want market forces to help us in addressing affordable housing in Bozeman, we have an opportunity to facilitate that here, merely by keeping some of the units in this proposed subdivision a smaller size. Respectfully, Paul Neubauer Bozeman City Planning Board Member