HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-14-16 Public Comment - S. Bracken & N. Chandler - Black OliveTo the Bozeman City Commission, Design Review Committee, Design Review Board
While we are not opposed to infill development and in fact support this idea, the Black Olive
Apartments as currently proposed are, in our opinion woefully inadequate. While we will not
dwell on the obvious negative impacts of increased traffic/congestion, parking issues, we would
like to make several points that are less apparent.
1. This proposal could not possibly meet the intended purpose of B-3 zoning in downtown
Bozeman of promoting commercial development. With a single 1000 square foot commercial
space on the ground level, the obvious intent of the developer is to avoid the
parking/congestion/traffic issues that 55 residential units are sure to create.
2. While we are obviously not opposed to fewer vehicles it is totally unrealistic that 55 units
will only need 55 parking spaces. And while car-sharing is a laudable idea, the thought that 3
car shares on site is equivalent to 15 vehicles is absurd. Individuals able to pay $1200-
$1400/month for a 530 square foot efficiency apartment will have a car. And rents at that level
will more than likely require more than one occupant per unit. Where will their guests park?
3. As many have said, the proposal is totally incongruous with the abutting residential
neighborhood. To most of us that own homes in this neighborhood and have made enormous
investments in our properties, this proposal is an insult. It devalues our properties and
degrades our quality of life.
4. While we would be the first to say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the architecture
of this building, in our opinion, is pathetic. This is a glorified motel that belongs out on the
interstate. Even the layout of the building suggests it is nothing more than a motel with long
corridors of opposing rooms. Is this really an environment people want to live in? This type of
motel living situation would have absolutely no appeal to us.
5. More than likely, many of these units will turn into vacation rentals as part time
tenants either need the added incomes to pay their rent or realize the income potential as a
VRBO.
This proposal needs to be carefully reviewed as it will be the bell weather of many more
such projects we are certain to face in the future. Is this what we want for our town? Much
like the moratorium enacted on vacation rentals, the city should take a step back on what the
intent of B-3 zoning really is before it engulfs our downtown neighborhoods. These
developments should enhance downtown Bozeman. We deserve better than the proposed
Black-Olive Apartments.
Respectfully,
Steve Bracken and Nyla Chandler
108 E. Story St.