HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-03-17 Public Comment - P. Geddes - Black Olive IIFrom:Pete Geddes
To:Agenda
Subject:Black Olive approval
Date:Tuesday, October 03, 2017 3:51:23 PM
Dear Commissioners*:
I write again in support of the application of the "Black and Olive" project the subject of
several commission hearings.
It is clear Bozeman's growth carries costs and benefits, with the former
generating understandable angst. Change tends to do that. Unfortunately,
angst, however well intended, is not a solid foundation upon which to buildpublic policy.
Our community, your professional staff, their predecessors and yours all have explicitlyendorsed infill and high-density downtown housing as priorities in a series of planning documentsdating back several decades. It defines logic to belive that literally decades of previous work, andthe generation of rules and regulations designed to attract just this sort of project are nowsomehow moot.
High density urban areas play an ever more important role in preserving the environmentalquality and amenity values that drive so much of Bozeman's prosperity. Compact, dense, andwalkable communities are recognized as being key to successful, thriving and progressivecommunities. A critical mass of population density is essential to supporting a diversity ofdowntown businesses and providing a tax base capable of support infrastructure maintenance andimprovements.
Finally, though certainly not a sliver bullet for the Bozeman's affordable housing problem, it is hardto see how an increase the downtown housing stock is anything but a step in the right direction.
I respectfully ask you approve this project and thank you for your service and consideration.
Pete Geddes55 Hitching Post RoadBozeman, MT 59715
*I write from my work email for connivence only. Please do not construe these comments
as an endorsement from the American Prairie Reserve, which takes no position on this
issue.
Pete Geddes
Managing Director
American Prairie Reserve
Office (406) 585-4600 ext. 777
Mobile (406) 539-9042
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