HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-11-17 Public Comment - L. Semones - Black Olive IIFrom:Linda Semones
To:Agenda; Linda Semones
Subject:Written Public Comment on the Black Olive project
Date:Tuesday, October 10, 2017 7:08:45 PM
I am unable to attend the meetings being held for public comment on this project. I live at
404 S. Church Avenue, across from Bogert Park. I am writing in support of those who oppose
giving approval in any form to this project. In discussions with one of the developers/builders
in town who shall go unnamed, I was told that I am a NIMBY. I was told insistently that this
project represents sustainable building because it is 5 stories tall and will hold many more
people than a single family dwelling. I was told that older people are holding up the progress
in the city, and that these old neighborhoods with single family dwellings will never survive the
need for large scale apartment complexes. I was told this with what I felt was great disrespect
for the older citizens of Bozeman. I was told that the incredibly high prices for homes near
the downtown are due to the single family nature of the neighborhoods downtown, and that
we only have ourselves to blame for high real estate prices. This is all bullying and basically
made up facts to bolster claims that this building should be approved.
In effect, this building is nothing more than a storage shed for people. There is nothing
sustainable about it. It is artlessly designed, has no green space around it, offers no lawn or
park for the residents, has no amenities for families with children,has inadequate parking, and
will be unaffordable for the average resident. It is ugly. It is inappropriate for the area. It has
no plan for solar energy. These scammers who come into Bozeman and call people names
have no leg to stand on when claiming sustainability for this project.
My children live in Salt Lake City about 5 minutes from the State Capitol Building. They are
purchasing a unit in a building complex that encourages families to move in. Their unit offers
private parking on the ground level. There are 2 large buildings under construction. Between
the two buildings and to the rear of the buildings there is a shared park area for the children
to play. The units are only 2 stories tall, and fit into the neighborhood well. This is the kind of
development that other cities are finding appropriate. Why should Bozeman settle for less?
If this building is approved, you might as well kiss the historic overlay districts goodbye.
You will be buying into the Build Bozeman agenda of getting rid of what makes Bozeman
unique and liveable. Please do not give consent to the construction of this monstrosity,
Sincerely,
Linda Semones Not In MY Back Yard and not in anyone else's back yard either.