HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-16, Mercer, Cleveland, Public Comment
May 12, 2016
To: Allyson Brekke, Planner – Department of Community Development – Bozeman, MT
Ian Woods – 304 W. Cleveland St. Bozeman, MT
From: David & Serena Mercer – 922 S. 3rd Ave., Bozeman, MT
RE: Conditional Use Permit – 304 W. Cleveland St. Bozeman, MT
We appreciate the notification and due diligence from Ian Woods and Jen Patterson and the City of
Bozeman regarding the application for an “Extended Stay” rental at 304 W. Cleveland. We are
neighbors/ owners living at 922 S. 3rd Ave. diagonally across from this property.
Despite the fact that this application meets the code requirements for a Conditional Use Permit to
operate an “Extended Stay” rental (less than 30 days) in the R-1 Bon Ton Historic District, we strongly
feel that the business of short term vacation rentals, one that has erupted throughout Bozeman
neighborhoods and especially those operated by owners residing out-of-state, will have a negative
effect on the quality and character of these very unique residential districts. Bozeman’s neighborhoods
are cherished by generations of people who have lived here for years, raised families and stayed
throughout their entire lives. They are an important contribution to the “quality of life” so sacred here.
To run a lodging business in the middle of them flies in the face of Bozeman values. Vacationers rarely
participate in the life of a neighborhood.
Furthermore, the code governing this “at home business” permissible in R-1 residential neighborhoods
would allow for the possibility of many “Extended Stay” rentals with no separation requirement, no
density code. Just imagine the impact 4 out of state owner “Extended Stay” rentals would have on one
neighborhood block. The character of the residential neighborhood would be greatly altered and let’s
not forget the effect all this could have on property values. The City would have little recourse to
prevent their approval given the current parameters governing this kind of R-1 home business. Hard to
deny one when the neighbor got the go ahead and to further aggravate the issue, the CUP can run with
the property in perpetuity.
Recognizing the new shared economy and that cities and towns all of over the country are grappling
with how to accommodate these new lodging opportunities, we strongly recommend that the
Community Development Department and the City Commission impose a 2 year limit (subject to
renewal) on this CUP. The purpose of which would be to reevaluate the impact “Extended Stay” lodging
has on this neighborhood and others throughout the city, a timely exercise given that the UDC is now
proceeding through review and revision.
Respectfully-
Serena & David Mercer
david@mercerandsons.com
sblissmercer@gmail.com