HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-2020 Public Comment - M. Banville - Armory Hotel Project Application 19410From: Mike Banville
To: Agenda; Brian Krueger
Cc: Chris Mehl
Subject: endorsing the current ETHA project
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 7:27:59 AM
Dear Director of Community Planning and Development
City of Bozeman
This is in regards to Application #19410 aka the Armory/ETHA project
I personally have known the primary applicant (Cory Lawrence) for nearly 17 years and have
seen his character, and that of the company he runs (Off the Beaten Path) and know without a
doubt, he and his ownership and management team, have nothing but the best of intentions
in the preservation and development of this former US government property.
The timeline of their project, as you know, goes back nearly 6 years involving the city and its
various departments, and was granted a permit to construct based on their city-approved
plans in 2015. The amount of money, time and resources he has expended leading up to
getting that construction approval was quite involved for him, his family and partners, so it is
no small problem to all of a sudden see a bureaucratic obstacle be thrust upon their nearly-
completed project so close to the end.
From what I have seen of the proposed changes to the last stage of building, I cannot think
that they would have waited this long and sought the approval without thinking it would have
been fine being within the confines of the existing construction permit issued in 2015. I trust
that whatever they wish to amend/update is likely well-needed for the betterment of the
guest experience, or staff who work there, and will in no way curtail or reduce the impact to
our skyline, or safety of our citizens. Likely what they want is a better solution than what was
initially scoped 5 years earlier, with no downside to anyone. Please keep this bigger picture in
mind.
I hope you will take this letter of support for their project under advisement and approve their
request changes as they are suggesting so they can complete the project on time and make it
available to guests from around the world who will truly enjoy its atmosphere and ambiance -
with me being one of those lucky patrons.
Their project deserves your full support to move through this approval process, and the full
support of any other public officials who may ultimately need its full approval.
Sincerely,
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Michael Banville
Digital Advisor
AllTrips.com and AllCabins.com
Based in Bozeman MT
Cell (307) 690-2835
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Current Chair - Bozeman Convention and Visitors Bureau
Past President - Bozeman Sunrise and Jackson Hole Breakfast Rotary Clubs
Knight of Columbus