HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-20 Public Comment - J. Schapp - Application 19410 in support of The Etha HotelFrom:Judy Schaap
To:Agenda
Subject:Application 19410 Public comment in support of The Etha Hotel
Date:Monday, April 6, 2020 8:51:27 AM
Members of the Bozeman City Commission:
I understand that you will hold a City Commission meeting today and appreciate that my opinion will
be considered in relation to The Etha Hotel.
The Etha Hotel has been such an enhancement of the area. Having lived in Gallatin County since
1972, I’ve watched Bozeman change drastically. That change included watching the armory fall into
a derelict state, creating a dangerous and seedy looking building where once an essential and vibrant
structure stood. While one would think an armory building wouldn’t have been designed with an
artist’s eye and hand, this jewel truly was.
The Etha Hotel has resurrected that building, breathing life into what many would have simply
bulldozed. The refurbishment of the old building, complimented by the new segment, truly has
been a wonder to observe. Working from Bozeman’s treasured Fred Wilson’s design, there has
clearly been great planning, construction and care used to create artistry and usefulness once again.
The strict attention to quality and safety has been married to the desire to celebrate our community
and history.
Knowing that the building was designed and built with health, safety, longevity and aesthetics in
mind, I believe it would be a terrible mistake to make changes to the structure as it now stands. A
building’s high quality and intact EIFS are essential to the very aspects of public health, safety and
building integrity which the City of Bozeman should celebrate. Indeed, those qualities were
approved by the City in 2015, allowing the current building to be one which espouses each of those
ideals. It is confusing that the City Commission is now considering steps which will cause damage to
those absolute requirements for a structure. It simply doesn’t make sense.
Bozeman’s current economic situation joins that of the world just now. I believe we will rebound in
a quite significant way as people who are currently home bound, suffering from cabin fever, are able
to finally break free and travel again. I forecast that America’s National Parks will be the first
destinations to attract travelers. Therefore, the areas which support those parks will once again
thrive as we create life experiences for our visitors.
We must now focus on keeping people safe from this disease which destroys people and the
economic communities in which they live. However, Bozeman was built by those who boldly looked
ahead and planned for its citizens to prosper as they welcomed travelers from around the world.
Today I ask that you also will look ahead, supporting those stalwart businesses which will create a
sturdy future for Bozeman’s downtown. It is just that sturdiness, that purposeful intent to help
Bozeman thrive which has created The Etha Hotel.
Please remove the impediments which are unnecessarily curtailing the completion of this building.
Honor the City’s 2015 approval for what has already become a landmark in Bozeman.
With appreciation for your time,
Judy L. Schaap