HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-15 Marvin Comment City of Bozeman Department of Planning&Community Development f JUL 2 0 2015 I�
Attention: Chris Saunders
July 17, 2015 I [)'t_i'A ,i i, i
Re: Stucky Road Annexation/ZMA file #15232
Dear Mr. Saunders:
This letter is written in opposition to the proposed annexation and zone map
amendment for 20 acres at 3000 Stucky Road in Bozeman.
I am an adjoining landowner to the property in question,and I have several
objections to this request,which would change the zoning to R-4 (High Density
Residential). My concerns are outlined below:
1) Changing the zoning would significantly impact the area by creating
"leapfrog zoning." There is vacant agricultural land on the east side of the
development, and a highly productive vegetable farm to the west of it. The
new development would be sandwiched in the middle.
2) The proposed development for nearly 100 high-density apartment dwellings
could ultimately result in as many as 500 new residents, all of who would be
accessing Stucky Road, a small 2-lane road. The access to South 19th Avenue
will become snarled in high traffic during peak hours since there is only one
way to access this main street leading to town and the university.
3) With hundreds of new apartments under construction on South 11th Avenue
adjacent to campus,there has not yet been adequate time to assess whether
or not another development of this magnitude is feasible. While it is the
developer's prerogative to take that business risk,the City of Bozeman
should be protective of remaining agricultural lands before changing zoning
simply because a developer asks.
4) In searching the Internet, I found no information on SH Acquisitions of Santa
Fe. Has the City of Bozeman performed its due diligence to find out who the
primary investors are, and specifically what assurances have been made.
Years ago,a developer changed the zoning on what is now Middle Creek
(located on South 19th) to the south of the property in question, and shortly
after getting the zoning changed,the developer abandoned the project due to
financial difficulties.
5) This area has a large population of deer, coyotes, fox,birds, and other wildlife.
High-density development and construction is not in keeping with habitat
conservation.
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6) Finally,the City of Bozeman needs to consider the character of the proposed
development and the overall impact adding up to 500 people would have on
what is essentially still a rural,farm-oriented area south of town. Once these
changes are made,they are irrevocable. Having an enormous, high-density
cluster of housing directly across the road from MSU's agricultural farms is
not in keeping with the local agricultural character on Stucky Road.
Thank you for your time. I urge you to vote "no" on this zoning change.
sincerely,
;I�arles Marvin
O �
4840 Fowler Lane
Bozeman, MT 59718