HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-26-21 Public Comment - W. Bauerle - Whole FoodsFrom:William Bauerle
To:Agenda
Subject:Whole Foods Site Plan Public Comment
Date:Monday, July 26, 2021 3:07:11 PM
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Dear Commissioners,
I am writing today to voice my support for the approval of the Whole Foods Site Plan
and dismissal of the appeal filed by Bozeman Matters.
The repurposing of the former Fuddruckers site into a Whole Foods Market is an
excellent use of the now vacant space in the Gallatin Valley Mall parking lot. The
appeal by Bozeman Matters appears to be an attempt to block Whole Foods fromcoming to our community based on minor technicalities in the site plan rather than on
the merits of the business. I believe the citizens of our community at large should be
allowed to vote with their dollars as to whether Whole Foods is a good fit rather than
allow a small minority of "concerned citizens" dictate whether or not a particularbusiness can come here.
The location is an infill location and seems to fit with the City's plan of not extending
sprawl. The Whole Foods Markets I've seen in other cities also appear to be wellbuilt/attractive buildings that fit in with their surroundings and would be a good
addition to the West Main Street entryway corridor into Bozeman.
As to the specific requests of the appeal:1. Traffic impact. With the loss of JC Penney's, Sears, and other retailers in the mall I
don't see how adding a single grocery store would impact traffic compared to what it
once was. In fact there used to be a grocery store in the mall years ago, prior to
Barnes and Noble and the Theater additions, so there should be some historical usedata of traffic with a grocery store on site.
2. Stormwater detention. With a building previously having occupied this location I
don't see how putting another building back up would impact seasonal stormwater
detention.
Overall both objections seem to be grabbing at straws to in an attempt to stop Whole
Foods Market from coming. This is a waste of commissioners time, and a waste of
the developers and Whole Foods Markets resources to have to defend such anappeal. I am again asking that you overturn the appeal and allow the Whole Foods
Market site plan to continue as proposed.
Kind Regards,Will Bauerle