HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-07-16 Public Comment - M. Deves - Wallace & Babcock Site Plan Application Phase 1 ATTN: Rebecca Owens City of Bozeman - Department of Community Development
Alfred M. Stiff Professional Building
20 East Olive Street
Bozeman, MT 59715 +� c
12/7/2016 DEC 07
2016
RE: Application 16478 QL('AR fl �.rJ
COMMUNI�IY DF!'F1-QPM�'NT
Dear Ms. Owens,
My name is Michelle Deves and I own the business located at 520 E Babcock Street,
the building west of the proposed development. I have many concerns regarding the
proposed renovations for the property on Application 16478. 1 have had my business
located on East Babcock Street for 2 years now and have had many negative
experiences due to the operation of Franks Deli which was the previous tenant at this
address.
First and foremost is the parking issue. There is not, nor was there ever, sufficient
parking for Frank's customers. There has been a constant battle with Frank's customers
and employees for myself and all of the surrounding property owners and tenants.
have been put in the position on several occasions that I have had to call the police
department due to people parking not only in my private lot, but also across the front of
my driveway and blocking in my customers that were parked in my lot. I have been
verbally assaulted when kindly asking for people to move from our private parking area
and told to "deal with it." That being the kindest response, many more were extremely
aggressive. Many times people would double park throughout the lunch hour and block
traffic flow down Babcock Street, leaving a very dangerous and volatile situation. The
delivery trucks constantly block the alley, my driveway and the entire street from
allowing through traffic. My parking is required to be a drive in and drive out, through
parking space. The fact that it is constantly being blocked puts my guests in the position
of having to back out onto Babcock Street to leave my business. This is unacceptable
and very dangerous.
Franks closed at 4 pm in the afternoon. This at least allowed for parking for the
residents who live in the area, to return to their home without competing for parking
when they arrive. By adding a full time restaurant, this will greatly affect the already
limited availability for the residents in the evening, furthering the impact this location will
have to the area.
There is no lighting for this end of Babcock Street and it is very dark in the evening.
There is more and more foot traffic in this area, which is an accident waiting to happen.
The street is very narrow and with not enough sufficient lighting it is virtually impossible
to see someone walking down the sidewalk or crossing the street at night. Increasing
the traffic to this area will only exacerbate this situation. There have been several
instances that parked cars have been hit directly in front of this location as well.
Hopefully, it doesn't take someone getting their person physically hurt to get the city's
attention to this matter.
It seems by what I've seen of the submitted plans that the plans are to improve the
building itself significantly, which is obviously a benefit to the community. However, the
roof top dining area is extremely invasive to the privacy of the surrounding neighbors.
That will literally put people looking down directly into the private backyard space of
several of the neighbors. I can't imagine that anyone in charge of approving the plans
with this included would appreciate that idea if it was located next to their home or
business. This part of the project needs to be scrutinized very carefully.
I understand that Bozeman is growing and there is going to be continued development
in the downtown area. What I don't understand is how the city is pushing these projects
through without any regard to the already limited parking. I was told that the city is not
enforcing any parking requirements for the downtown area as the development is so
much more important than providing adequate attention to this growing issue. The
bottom line is this, if there is no parking for people to come to the downtown area, they
simply stop coming to the downtown area. They will choose to take their business from
the local shops to all the big box stores where there is large parking lots available to
them. This will in turn destroy the growth of downtown Bozeman, and the businesses
will suffer. That doesn't seem like the goal the city had in mind when pushing for the
development.
So, in summary, as a business owner next door to this project, I am asking for
consideration for myself, my guests and the surrounding residents that the city actually
enforce some sensible guidelines for the new owners and anyone they have working on
this project. I would appreciate very much that they not be allowed to completely
consume the area during construction and block the entire street with their work trucks
and equipment. I am also very adamant about the alley not being shut down at any time
during construction as it completely blocks access to and from my private parking lot.
also request that the city take a very careful look at the growing safety issues that will
only increase by allowing further development without a plan for dealing with the fallout.
If, at any time, there is room for conversation about this project, I can be reached
406.585.2269. 1 appreciate your time in truly hearing what is of great concern for the
residents of this area.
Sincerely,
Michelle Deves
Indira Spa & Wellness