HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-2020 Public Comment - P. Johnson - Armory Hotel Project Application 19410From: Penny Johnson
To: Brian Krueger; Agenda
Subject: Application 19410, Kimpton Armory Hotel
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2020 1:47:57 PM
February 19, 2020
Dear Mr. Krueger and team,
As it relates to your forthcoming decision regarding a certificate of occupancy for the Kimpton
Armory Hotel project (formerly known as The Etha Hotel), please accept this letter of support on the
project’s behalf.
I am a resident of Bozeman writing to you to let you know I feel strongly that the new hotel must
receive it’s C.O. — without further delay — on or before February 26, 2020. The City, along with its
residents, should be allowed to begin reaping the many benefits associated with this exceptional
project as soon as possible. What’s more, many of the hotels 160+ new employees have already
been hired and are eager to either begin or continue their new jobs.
As you are aware, this project was originally approved by the City of Bozeman in 2014. After some
adjustments to design, plans were resubmitted to the City of Bozeman in 2015. Following the City’s
review, the project received “approved for construction” building plans and the related building
permit from the City of Bozeman.
The hotel was then constructed using the 2015 “approved for construction” plans. As a part of the
building process, the City of Bozeman has conducted innumerable inspections – all using these same
plans as the basis for review.
The current dispute within the City’s building department as to whether this project should be given
final approval appears to be bureaucratic in nature and not in the City’s best overall interest.
Additionally, the as-constructed items in dispute are insignificant as it relates to the scope of the
entire project. To require the de-construction of these items would be extremely punitive, unfair,
untenable, economically unfeasible, wasteful and simply wrong.
The hotel, as constructed, poses no threat to community safety nor is it a cause for concern for
public health. This is a project borne of a long-term local resident’s desire to save a vacant historic
building while adding new amenities and revenue streams to our community.
The hotel is scheduled for a springtime opening. It’s leadership team is in place. New employees are
being hired every day. A delayed opening due to bureaucracy is incongruous with the City’s business-
friendly and historic preservation-friendly philosophies.
Finally, the significance of this historic reuse project must not be overlooked by the City. It goes
without saying that this is a landmark effort deserving of the City’s full support including receipt of a
certificate of occupancy within the next week.
Sincerely,
Penny Johnson
1048 Brookdale Drive
Bozeman, MT 59715
pj.denco@gmail.com
Sent via email to:
agenda@bozeman.net
bkrueger@bozeman.net