HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-20 Public Comment - E. Hert - In support of The Etha Hotel, Application 19410From:Elin Hert
To:Agenda
Subject:Public comment in support of The Etha Hotel, Application 19410
Date:Sunday, April 5, 2020 8:39:50 AM
Dear City Commissioners,
I am writing to share my strong support for the Etha Hotel and request that the city allow it to go forward accordingto its 2015 revised plans. Having received a stamp of approval and passing all subsequent inspections, one wouldassume that all was copacetic. It is a travesty that at this point in time - this late in the game - this well-intentioned project is being challenged by the city because of its own oversight. It seems that the City of Bozemanmade a mistake and The Etha is being asked to pay.
As an employee of Off the Beaten Path who has worked for Cory Lawrence since well before this project'sinception, I have seen Cory's enthusiasm for saving the Armory and incorporating it into The Etha. I have beentreated to stories and shared history and watched scores of people going in and out of our office for countlessmeetings over many years regarding this most carefully undertaken project. Since day one, Cory has been passionateabout offering the City of Bozeman a wonderful and vibrant gathering place. Let this project come to fruition!
On another note, I understand that residents of 5 West are appealing the city's decision to allow the hotel to keep thepool and electrical equipment in place. I live in Bozeman and we lost our Bridger Mountain view when a nearbyneighbor added a second story to their home. I see modest homes all over Bozeman being overshadowed bytowering newer homes. Black Olive has destroyed the privacy, peace, quiet, views, and property values of numeroushomeowners. Many guests of the Etha Hotel will have to look at the mechanical equipment of 5 West, The Element,and the top of the parking garage. I suppose they’ll likely have to look at the mechanical equipment of the futurehotel on the corner of Mendenhall and Tracy too. Every one of these situations are disappointments to existingdwellers. The Etha should not be required to make impossible changes at this stage of the game, particularly to plansthat were already approved.
City Commissioners, do the right thing. This project has been developed with an honest, thorough, thoughtful, andfiscally responsible approach. This project should not be punished due to oversights on the part of the city nor forimmense pressure and out-of-line demands from one disgruntled developer.
Sincerely
Elin Hert216 S 10th AveBozeman, MT 59715406-580-3577