HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-16 Public Comment - C. Lange - Black OliveDear Commissioners:
It is impossible to exaggerate my opposition to the proposed development on Black and Olive as
it is currently presented. The overall size and scope presents many problems for the neighbors
and the neighborhood.
Parking is a serious concern. It is well known that downtown parking and traffic overflows onto
the two- and three-hundred blocks north and south of Main Street, both during the day and
during evening events. I doubt that this development realistically meets its parking requirements
as proposed. It will exacerbate the parking scarcity and traffic congestion on the narrow streets in the area.
From a design standpoint, this building is not compatible with the surrounding structures. It
encroaches on the privacy and quality of life of neighboring homes. As with other high-end
buildings and home remodels built in recent years, there is no regard to the proximity to existing homes; robbing them of sunlight, views and privacy. The homes immediately to the east and
south would be the most seriously impacted, ultimately resulting in the homeowners selling.
This will in turn put that property at risk for more inappropriate development. This design is
unneighborly in its size, privacy-stealing affect and, most importantly, the resentment stirred by
those who will be affected. This is not the kind of project or structure that has made Bozeman the community that has attracted the influx of newcomers. And it will leave a bad taste in the mouths
of the stakeholders whose quality of life will be most diminished.
Many of the sitting commissioners campaigned on an affordable housing platform. Where is it?
Why isn't this property being considered for affordable housing? Are some so beholden to the highest bidder that they've lost sight of a critical imperative that the Commission was tasked to
address?
I am reconsidering voting for a Law and Justice Center when the Commission has made little
headway towards affordable housing but eases in expensive projects such as this. The trust just isn't there.
Respectfully,
--
Connie Lange
connielange712@gmail.com