HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-2020 Public Comment - C. Burdett - Etha Hotel ModificationsFrom: Martin Matsen
To: Greg Sullivan; Kelley Rischke; Chris Saunders
Subject: Fwd: Etha Hotel Modifications
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2020 11:36:56 AM
Attachments: 19410 Final Approval Letter.pdf
ATT00001.htm
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Burdett, Chris @ Seattle" <Chris.Burdett@cbre.com>
Date: March 13, 2020 at 9:09:26 PM MDT
To: Martin Matsen <MMatsen@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: Etha Hotel Modifications
Mr. Matsen –
I’ve reviewed the attached. I am one of the unfortunate neighbors on Mendenhall that
will not only look at the multi-ton HVAC units on the third floor of the Armory Hotel but
more important will have to deal with the constant drone of these mechanical units
24/7. As a hotel owner, operator and developer I fully understand the need to work
within the boundaries of the development code and further understand that change
does occur. Unfortunately I also understand how these units work, what there intent
are and the reality of them working 24/7. I own many and maintain many, so I know
them well enough that no one can argue that they are visually annoying but even
worse; simply noisy.
However, I would like some understanding of who I need to get in front of to voice my
opposition to where the units are placed today. Is there a process and can you direct
me to the appropriate person(s) to file my concerns directly, or through my council.
There are several obvious alternatives to where they have been located and were
never originally approved. I’m concerned with the visual issues for one but far more
disconcerting will be the constant noise associated with roof top mechanical HVAC
units operating 24/7 and not allowing anyone on Mendenhall within 100 feet to have
open windows.
As stated, I know all about these units as I own dozens of them and would never put
these in a position that would accentuate the noise, which is exactly what the building
will do given the current location. The noise will be directed out toward Mendenhall
and across to 5 West and those residential units. There is simply no way around that
fact.
I am shocked to some extent the developer was able to manipulate the City into
allowing this, but in many instances small, local municipalities simply do not have the
expertise and understanding to mitigate and argue the facts. Developers love “small
towns” as they are notorious for this type of inadequacy when it comes to
understanding codes and adhering to approved designs. Two sets of plans. One for
City approval and one for the GC. Not the first time I’ve seen this, but obviously this is
a new occurrence for Bozeman City planning.
We certainly do not see this in large metros, where major unapproved design changes
and major code violations are “mitigated” by enhanced screening and rooftop sheds
(dog houses). It is obvious to some this is a test of experience and expertise and the
City of Bozeman is losing. Losing a historic building that is now being bastardized by
the developer with City approval. Losing the intellectual argument by “adopting staff
findings” and losing the esthetic argument by lighting up the night sky’s and ignoring
dark sky initiatives. It is sad Bozeman is going the way of other cities and getting
beaten up in the process. At the very least, the fines should be in the millions so the
City can point to something that suggests there was a “win” in this process.
As a developer I get it. If I could get away with it I would and they have. It is
unfortunate the city has no way to enforce the code and unapproved changes the
developer has implemented knowingly and willingly, given their obvious knowledge of
the “severe consequences” from the City. I know I’d be nervous if I was forced to add
screening! A few 10 or 20 Ton HVAC units are "inconspicuous and really do not
damage or obscure character defining historic features.” I mean most historic
buildings had rooftop HVAC units at one point and as long as the art-deco chevrons are
filled with brushed aluminum strips who is going to notice inappropriate non-period
defining glazing and a few hundred thousand lineal feet of EFIS!
I could go on but I think you get the point and I’m sure you have heard it all. Just
thought I would share my two cents as I am certain it is worth half of that to the City
planning department.
\cb
Chris Burdett | Executive Vice President
CBRE Capital Markets | CBRE Hotels
Seattle, WA | Bozeman, MT
C 206 715 9910 | D 206 292 6070
chris.burdett@cbre.com | www.cbrehotels.com
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