HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-16-18 Public Comment - J. Klockman - NCOD ReviewLetter to Editor NCOD Applause to Derek Strahn and Ron Brey for their July 15 opinions piece on keeping the NCOD, not dismantling the exemplary core historic districts of our city. “We want to keep our neighborhoods, as is.” Perhaps it’s time to reexamine the effectiveness of the halo and B4 rather than the NCOD. Can we call a Time Out to more high rises? On July 11 an analysis of Bozeman’s and Gallatin Valley’s taxes and land use policies were examined by a speaker, Joseph Manicozzi. He focused on the benefits to our tax coffers and to developers. He led his talk with an example of a renovated commercial building; the reuse of how a solid old structure revitalized Ashville, N.C. This is a core example of historic preservation. Look at the reinvestment value (taxes, maintenance, mortgages, etc.) of each structure within the NCOD; it adds huge value to any given piece of property. Put the properties in a neighborhood of the NCOD and together they total BILLIONS. The millions being invested in new structures can never catch up. We’re told we have close to 4,000 structures in the known NCOD. Some of these structures are over 150 years old. A building replaced, should have better quality and design for continued increasing value. You can never
replace the Blackmore Apartments with a Black Olive and catch up. Remember, the sum of Bozeman includes its tree canopy, views, creek, and air and water quality. Let’s insist on keeping our historic place in the Valley of the Flowers. I pray that the current consultants are visionaries, not rubber stamps for the 2015 consultants report that encouraged a revision of the NCOD. Bozeman began to flourish when the NCOD was established with guidelines defining the limits. Keep them. Respectfully, Jane Davidson Klockman 713 S Willson Bozeman, MT 59715