HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-20 Public comment - M. Neeley & J. Tranel - Comments Re Application 20170From:Tom Rogers
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Comments Re Application 20170
Date:Monday, July 20, 2020 9:01:37 AM
Attachments:Neeley Tranel Comments Re Application 20170.docx
From: Michael Neeley <michael.neeley62@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 6:52 AM
To: Tom Rogers <TRogers@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: Comments Re Application 20170
Dear City of Bozeman Department of Community Development:
Please see attached a letter with comments regarding Application 20170, the proposed Delta
Gamma site plan.
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Michael Neeley and Jennie Tranel1213 S. 4th Ave.
406-589-7851/7850michael.neeley62@gmail.com
jennietranel@yahoo.com
July 19, 2020
City of Bozeman Department of Community Development
Attn: Chris Saunders
RE: Application 20170—Proposal for Delta Gamma Parking Lot and Building Remodel
We live at 1213 S. 4th Ave and the back of our property is adjacent to the Delta Gamma
property across the alley. Having carefully reviewed the plans submitted to the city planning
department, we urge the city, the sorority, and property owner to address the following
concerns:
1. The historic character of the neighborhood.
Since the project is in the conservation overlay district—an area that has not had a proper
historic inventory since the 1980s when many of these houses were not eligible for inclusion on
the National Register—it is important that the potential historic fabric of the neighborhood be
maintained until an historic inventory can be completed. A parking lot does nothing to enhance
the historic character of the neighborhood and negatively impacts the value of the homes in
the immediate vicinity.
2. The size of the proposed lot.
At present there are 4 parking spaces east of the existing building. The plan indicates the
conversion of one of these for handicapped parking and the striping of the remaining space as a
“no parking zone”. We ask that at least two of these spaces continue to be used in order to
allow for reduction of the lot size by two spaces. Reducing the size of the asphalt lot would
allow for additional greenspace and partially reduce the heat island effect of the lot.
3. Light pollution.
There are 4 street lights in the immediate vicinity of the project (three on Garfield, one on 4th)
along with an existing pole light on the Delta Gamma property. The project proposes an
additional 4 lights (16 ft tall) for the parking lot. We ask that the number of lights be reduced
from four to two to reduce the amount of light pollution in the neighborhood, while still
affording safety for Delta Gamma residents. We also request that the height of the light poles
be reduced to more properly reflect the residential character of the neighborhood.
Additionally, we request that motion detectors be added to the parking lot lights. Dusk-to-
dawn lights are an inefficient use of energy, add to light pollution, and are excessive given that
the lot will be used primarily during the university academic year. In addition, the reflection of
light off of the snow in the winter will only add to light pollution.
4. Increased traffic and congestion.
Lastly, we are concerned about the addition of 24 more vehicles to the neighborhood and its
impact on traffic and safety. It is our understanding (per the city) that all of the residents of
Delta Gamma will be eligible for on-street parking permits in addition to access of the private
lot. If so, what protections are in place to minimize parking on the street? Will the sorority have
members who are non-residents? Will they utilize the lot as a cheaper alternative to university
parking fees? This would push sorority residents to park on the street which is counter to the
stated goal for building a parking lot. Such a scenario would have a negative impact on the
residents of the community. We would like to know what sorts of safeguards can be invoked to
prevent this from happening.
Thank you for considering our comments. As residents of the neighborhood, we want to ensure
the continued quality of life that makes Bozeman an attractive and desirable place to live.
Sincerely,
Michael Neeley and Jennie Tranel
1213 S. 4th Ave
Bozeman 59715
406-589-7851 406-589-7850