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Residents urge lower‑density zoning and traffic calming ahead of Hansen Lane annexation hearing
Summary
Multiple residents told the Community Development Board they oppose higher‑density zoning proposed with the Hansen Lane annexation and urged the city to consider an RA designation, conduct comprehensive planning for Fowler Avenue, and add traffic‑calming near Emily Dickinson Elementary School.
Several residents addressed the Community Development Board in public comment to urge caution ahead of the upcoming Hansen Lane annexation and associated Fowler Avenue connector studies.
Heather Higgs, a city resident, said the applicant seeks an RB zoning designation for the parcel between Oak and Durston (the Fowler Avenue connection) and argued that RB (or R3/RB) is not consistent with the city’s growth policy, future land‑use map, or the single‑household pattern of surrounding parcels. She told the board the proper designation should be RA and warned RB would allow heights greater than 40 feet and densities higher than the neighborhood’s existing six units per acre.
Mike Roser (identified as City Council, and also a resident) echoed concerns about piecemeal annexation and questioned how road design, setbacks, drainage and traffic impacts would be considered if parcels are zoned and developed separately. Laurie Wallace, speaking as a Harvest Creek HOA member, stressed safety concerns because the proposed Fowler connector would align with Annie Street and provide a direct route past Emily Dickinson Elementary School and neighborhood parks, and she urged the city to require definite traffic‑calming measures before approvals.
Tom Gay, another neighborhood resident, asked the board to balance housing availability with neighborhood safety, noting the park near the planned connector is used by dozens of children daily and warning the connector could create a high‑speed cut‑through.
Mary Frances McHugh, a property owner in Harvest Creek, requested that city staff designate the parcel as RA (not RB), citing comparisons in unit counts and building heights between RA and RB and the potential impacts on privacy, light and community character.
Staff reminded the board the zone‑map amendment and annexation have distinct processes: the board will consider the zone‑map amendment at its public hearing on April 20 and then forward a recommendation to the City Commission, which will consider annexation and the zone change. Staff encouraged written comments via comments@bozeman.net and posted materials on the City’s records site.
