HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-27-15, Klockman, 624 S. Willson, Public CommentDear Mayor Krauss and Commissioners,
A few days ago, have I received full definition of a CUP for R1 "dwellings units used,
rented, or hired out for vacation homes for less than 30 days at a time”. I request
that a denial of a recommendation, received only 2 weeks ago from
the Department of Community Development, to grant a CUP to
Amanda and Robert Harris, owners of 624 S. Willson, for
"expanded vacation lodging" in our R1 residential
neighborhood.
Few neighbors have information or only scanty knowledge of
this pending action by the Commission tomorrow night. Given the short
time I have had to consider my concerns or for you to provide a narrative, I provide
the following:
• Approval of a commercial enterprise in a R1 residential
neighborhood is not typically allowed nor do there seem
to be extenuating circumstances requiring such approval.
• The request is counter to the character of our historic
neighborhood cherished by the community and state-
wide.
• Residents on Willson have made investment-backed
decisions in their ownership and count on a
stable environment to protect those investments. A reduction in value of
10-15% in our properties is estimated.
• Our neighborhood fabric includes Longfellow Elementary School, a short block
away from 624 South Willson. It’s proximity raises safety issues regarding
transients occupying a property for expanded vacation lodging.
• Similarly, I have safety concerns for the increased volume of traffic on Willson
and in the alley between Willson and Tracy. Pressure on residential parking is
also a concern.
• Transients do not know neighbors or the neighborhood issues I have raised.
They are short-term occupants with no investment in the neighborhoods as
our permanent residents or long-term renters.
• Neighbors cannot be expected to monitor the use of this property by
vacationers or the indiscretions commonly associated with partying, noise,
etc.
• Bozeman is not a resort town located at the bottom of the ski hill. We are a
community of neighborhoods, discreetly residential or commercial.
• The Commission is expected to provide the oversight of codes guiding our
community. We trust you will provide this function.
• I and many others acknowledge that expanded vacation lodgings are on the
rise nationwide and elsewhere in Bozeman. Those on Willson, other than the
Harris property, have not requested a CUP but are operating sub rosa. I
commend the Harris’s for moving through proper city channels.
• There is an apparent conflict in these properties with businesses in the
downtown area (i.e. The Lark and the new Element hotels) which promote
extended vacation rentals.
• The commercial properties in town pay commercial taxes. Will the City be
charging a commercial tax on those property owners operating as an Air BNB?
• Is the real estate community providing full disclosure on the covenants in the
R1 code or are people buying residential properties as presented and flipping
them to commercial use?
Hopefully this is helpful in your consideration. I urge you to deny
this recommendation from City staff. I do plan to attend the meeting tomorrow
night. See you then.
Sincerely,
Jane Klockman
713 South Willson Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715