HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-21-18 Public Comment - E. Van Steenburg - Reclaiming Icon ApartmentsFrom:Eric Van Steenburg
To:Agenda
Subject:Icon Apartments - support in favor
Date:Monday, May 21, 2018 2:01:55 PM
To whom it may concern,
I am a homeowner in Valley West development, just north of the proposed Icon Appartment Homes being
discussed at the City Council meeting today. I am writing in strong support for the proposal.
The reasons for my support are varied, but include:
the desperate need for multi-family housing in Bozeman
the desperate need for affordable housing in Bozeman
the value of having mixed housing styles in a concentrated area (e.g. single family homes,
duplexes, multi-family, high-end, affordable, 1- 2- and 3-bedroom, etc.)
the positive track record of the developer (The Village, Ale Works, etc.)
the addition of more public green space
the improvement to surrounding streets
the opportunity to have community guidance on design
It's the last item that I'd like to address now. As a former rails-to-trails executive director, I have been
involved in numerous urban development projects. Therefore, I would strongly encourage the Council to
work with the developer and neighbors to create a multi-use space that adds value to the surrounding
area as well as to residents of the proposed complex. Such design elements could include, but are not
limited to:
encourage the inclusion of restaurant/retail space on either the first floor of the proposed
development or at key corner spaces of the property
encourage a design that creates more interior parking (perhaps in a multi-level garage) rather than
extensive surface parking between the curb and the structure
encourage a design that places trash recepticles in areas hidden from surrounding communities
and users of the public spaces
encourage design that includes widened sidewalks or extensive setbacks that allow for inclusion of
trails
encourage design that connects nearby and/or adjacent trails - both paved and gravel - to improve
mobility on and off the property
encourage design that enhances, rather than blocks, existing views of the surrounding topography
If you have any questions or would like clarification on my opinions or ideas, please feel free to contact
me at 214-334-4813 or via this email.
Thank you for allowing me to participate.
Sincerely,
Eric
Eric Van Steenburg
214-334-4813
www.evsphd.info
"Don't believe everything you think." -- EV