HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-20 Public Comment - K. Filipovich - Comment on 420 N Grand ProjectFrom:Karen Filipovich
To:Agenda; Phillipe Gonzalez
Subject:Re: Comment on 420 N Grand Project - 20-103/20-023
Date:Monday, April 20, 2020 9:00:46 AM
Dear Mr. Gonzalez:
I noticed this morning that the Ulman project at 420 N Grand Ave has two different numbers
listed for the project. In my comments, I used the number listed on the city development
viewer on the notice and application. The sign in on the site lists the number 20-023. My
comments pertain to the project located at 420 N. Grand Ave, under either number.
Sincerely,
Karen Filipovich
From: Karen Filipovich
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2020 8:30 PM
To: agenda@bozeman.net <agenda@bozeman.net>; pgonzalez@bozeman.net
<pgonzalez@bozeman.net>
Subject: Comment on 420 N Grand Project - 20-103
Dear Mr Gonzalez:
I am writing in response to the notice on the Ulman project, located at 420 N. Grand Avenue.
The number the plan application is 20-103. We own the house directly to the north of the
proposed project.
Trees:
The NCOD Guidelines for Historic Preservation, Chapter 2, Guideline E: Landscaping Landscape
Design, Guideline 1 pertains to mature trees and existing vegetation. This section of North
Grand does not have curbs and did not have defined boulevards when it was developed. As a
result, mature trees exist in areas on both sides of sidewalks and have been used extensively
as planting to divide properties in order to offer shade and privacy. This property has three
trees along the front sidewalk and two trees are planted on my property along the lot line. All
are among the oldest trees in the neighborhood.
As the guideline states, "In development areas, healthy trees and vegetation clusters should be
identified for preservation. Special consideration should be given to mature trees, 6” or greater
in diameter, and to vegetation clusters with significant visual impact. Vegetation designated
for preservation should be incorporated into new development site design to the maximum
extent possible." (pg. 48) None of the trees identified are where the proposed building would
be, but all are relatively close to the it. Without care, these trees could damaged or destroyed.
I respectfully ask that this application is conditioned with the addition of plan developed and
implemented by a professional arborist or urban forester. This is needed to ensure the existing
trees are not damaged or destroyed.
Windows and Scale:
Chapter 2, G: Solid-to-Void Ratio and Chapter 3, B: Building Mass and Scale both offer
guidance that this project does not entirely follow. For solid-to-void ratio, most of the
windows do appear appropriate, but the south side of the structure has large windows in
close proximity to the house to the south. On that side of the property, screening both
structures for privacy with vegetation may be problematic due to the limited space between
structures and lack of existing trees. The front facade is the also highest point of of the house,
rather than stepping back height. Given the existing structure, I think it would be difficult to
come up with a solution of that type on a structure this size, but it will be significantly taller
than its neighbors, so care in ensuring privacy for all is important.
My concern here is practical rather than aesthetic. The old neighborhoods function well in
part because the relatively small windows and modest house proportions allow for greater
privacy between households in this urban neighborhood setting. If the window plan could be
checked to ensure that the windows on the proposed house don't line up with the windows
on existing houses and adjustments made if necessary, I believe this would go a long way to
enhancing the privacy and livability of both the new and existing houses. I've seen several
mistakes of this sort in the newer infill houses within the NCOD. It's easy to fix in a plan, but
impossible to put right once built.
My hope is these modest conditions will help this house to settle in gracefully into the
neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Karen Filipovich
(406) 522-3819