HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-2020 Public Comment - A. McCormick - Armory Hotel Project Application 194102946259
February 27, 2020
Brian Krueger
Department of Community Development
City of Bozeman
P.O. Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
bkrueger@bozeman.net
RE: Armory Hotel Project Site Plan Modification Request
Dear Brian:
Our office represents 5 West, LLC, owners of property immediately north of the Armory Hotel
Project. While the members of 5 West, LLC welcome the Etha Hotel project, they oppose the
request to modify the original site plan approval.
The process for obtaining site plan approval is well defined in the Bozeman Municipal Code. It
includes a public process for a reason. The process allows affected property owners to review
and consider proposed plans on adjacent properties and express appropriate concerns, or choose
not to express concerns if the proposal is acceptable.
Once approved, adjacent owners have every expectation that a project will be constructed
according to the approved plans, as adherence to those plans is required by the Code. Deviations
to those plans are also subject to a public review process for the same reason. Numerous property
owners and developers have complied with the City’s site plan modification process to obtain
permission to modify approved plans prior to undertaking the work.
It is unfortunate the City issued a building permit for a project that significantly differs from the
site plan approval. However, it is the developer’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the
City’s Code by submitting a building permit application in conformance with the site plan
approval. The Etha developers did not and, as a result, skipped the required modification process
and eliminated the public’s ability to participate in the proceedings.
Had the members of 5 West, LLC, been given the opportunity to participate as required by the
City’s Code, they would have objected to the changes as they negatively affect the views from
and compatibility with adjacent properties.
Brian Krueger
RE: Armory Hotel Project Site Plan Modification Request
February 27, 2020
Page 2
2946259
For that reason, 5 West, LLC, strongly supports the recommendations made by City Planning in
its February 12, 2020, staff report to the Design Review Board.
Sincerely,
GARLINGTON, LOHN & ROBINSON, PLLP
Alan F. McCormick
Direct Line: (406) 523-2518
Email: afmccormick@garlington.com
AFM:jdl