HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-17 Public Comment - P. Jacobs- Black Olive
PO Box 4836
Bozeman, Montana 59772
www.ARCHtrio.com
317 - 917 – 9042
A Women Business Enterprise
April 3, 2017
City Commissioners
City of Bozeman
121 North Rouse
Bozeman, MT 59715
RE: Application 16432 – Black Olive Site Plan and Certificate of Appropriateness
Dear City Commissioners:
I have attended various meetings regarding the proposed new development at Olive and Black. I would
like to request your consideration regarding the approval of this pivotal development in the B3 zoned
area and the application of the 4B guidelines.
#1 Advisory Board Input
First and foremost, this has been an arduous design process with much public input, the majority of
which has been wary, and in strong opposition of the development. The project has gone before the
Design Review Board (DRB) twice, both times with recommendations of denial and valid input with
suggestions for redesign. Because of the project’s proximity to three historic districts, as a Preservation
Advisory Board member, I feel this project also deserves the review and comment from this group, with
particular focus on the impact on preservation of the character of these areas. To my knowledge, this
input was not sought by staff or the developer. With a contentious project such as this, I would think our
City staff and elected officials would seek the input from as many advisory boards (acting as
representatives of the community and experts in the Board’s area) as possible.
As an architect, registered in the State of Montana, I believe it is the ethical responsibility of the project
Architect to consider in the design process the public’s input on a project, especially when it has been so
carefully considered by our DRB of professional and citizen advisors. As Architects, our work must not
only consider the needs and requirements of the client, including budget and profitability, but also the
long term effects our work has on the community, the environment and those individuals who will live,
work and play there. Our end goal should be that everyone wins. If we haven’t accomplished this, then
it should be “back to the drawing boards,” as they say.
Listening to the input of our Advisory boards is essential, or quite frankly, why have them? After
reading the input of the DRB, I feel it is very valuable and very well considered – not to be taken lightly
and discredited. The work of project redesign should not be occurring in a public forum such as the
meeting tonight. Nor should there be pressure for a final black and white, hasty decision that few feel
comfortable with. This is a shortcoming of our process. I would encourage a continuance of a
decision on this application to a future meeting once the parties have reached a design solution
Black Olive
April 3, 2017
Page 2
with which the staff, DRB and general public are comfortable. There is a design solution. As is
often the case, setting all egos aside and maintaining an open mind, the final solution through
collaboration will be much better than anyone ever imagined.
#2 Interpretation of NCOD Guidelines
My second point for consideration is the interpretation of the NCOD guidelines and the recently
implemented 4B Guidelines. The 4B Guidelines are incorporated as part of the Design Guidelines for
Historic Preservation and the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD Guidelines). When
reviewing the Introduction from the NCOD Guidelines, Section D. Which Guidelines Apply?,, the
document suggests that the project should consider the Introduction, Chapter 2, Chapter 4 (while I think
there may be an argument for Chapter 3 also), and the Appendix. In all the times I have read the NCOD
Guidelines, I have not yet located a citation stating a hierarchy of consideration of the guidelines.
Therefore, I believe all applicable guidelines should be taken into account. I certainly understand
the greater weight of the 4B guidelines as they were specifically created for this critical area of
development for our City, but cannot discount the significance of other principals of the
document.
I have the utmost respect for your commitment and dedication to our City’s future. Please, I implore
you, this is a foundational decision for our future. It sets the stage for other developments, it impacts the
future of our historic districts, it impacts the credibility of our citizen advisory boards and it impacts me
as a citizen, one who loves the sense of place and community character in which I live.
Sincerely,
Patricia L. Jacobs