HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-26-19 Public Comment - J. Swanson and K. Walsh - 724 North Bozeman Avenue 6/26/19
Danielle Garber,
We are writing concerning the proposed addition at 724 N. Bozeman Ave. We have lived next door to
that residence for over 25 years at 718 N. Bozeman Ave. We did a major renovation of our property
eight years ago.
We believe that the addition should be allowed at 724 N. Bozeman for the following reasons.
1. A growing Bozeman should be doing everything possible to allow “in fill” development. The
residence at 724 N. Bozeman is in need of some addition at 1200 sf with only two
bedrooms, both below ground. Building code and planning guidelines make addition to this
property very problematic.
2. Much is said and printed about “affordable housing” in Bozeman but many actions seem
contrary. Here is a young, working class, growing family trying to continue living downtown
and this addition would allow that. Putting a small amount of second story addition on top
of a preexisting encroachment to setback seems like a very small concession to achieve an
affordable improvement to the property.
3. Homes like the residence at 724 N. Bozeman were not built to stand the test of time. Every
effort should be made to encourage responsible improvement. Given planning guidelines
and building code, allowing this deviation seems reasonable. These are people who truly
want to improve their residence and neighborhood.
4. On a personal level these are great neighbors who should be encouraged to stay in the
downtown core. In a neighborhood containing the City Shop, Gallatin Fairgrounds, 12 unit
apartment building, train noise and a proposed Safety Center the variance at 724 N.
Bozeman seems extremely insignificant to keeping a better neighborhood.
We hope you allow the planned addition at 724 N. Bozeman Ave.
Thank you for your attention.
John Swanson
Kathleen Walsh
718 N. Bozeman Ave
Bozeman, Mt. 59715