HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-17 Public Comment - J. Milchen - Black Olive II1
Robin Crough
From:Jeff Milchen <jeff.milchen@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, October 9, 2017 4:56 PM
To:Agenda
Subject:Notes on Home Base Inc proposed development
Categories:Public Comment
I am a proponent of infill development, of reducing or eliminating parking minimums, limiting sprawl
and many other values many of you have expressed throughout this process. And I'm generally a "yes,
in my backyard" person. Had the "Black Olive" project been proposed at the scale of the Blackmore or
even with a fourth floor with a reasonable set back, I would not be engaged in opposition, and would
likely be a proponent, despite being close enough to bear some negative impacts personally.
But the Home Base proposal violates any rational standard of appropriate scale for its location and
the character-based criteria that must be weighed along with objective measurements. The
corporation has not merely disregarded impact on existing residents and neighborhood character but
appears to be deliberately making the development more intrusive and objectionable to intimidate
citizens and deter future engagement. The company's disrespect for the City Commission local
officials also is clear through their suggestion that a three story building would not sufficiently repay
their speculative investment and that adding more downtown construction would somehow reduce
sprawl in the absence of laws to constrain it.
I ask the commissioners to exercise your authority to reject the current "Black Olive" proposal by
Home Base and offer guidance to the developers toward a proposal that can de-escalate conflict and
lead to a design that fits the judgement-based criteria that are a vital part of development guidelines.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jeff Milchen
222 S. Black Ave, Bozeman