HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-29-21 Public Comment - C. Pincus - The IvesFrom:Clara SJ Pincus
To:Agenda; Ross Knapper
Subject:Block 4, HomeBase
Date:Wednesday, September 29, 2021 9:56:09 AM
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Dear Commissioners and Ross Knapper,
I hope we can think very carefully before handing HomeBase just what is asked for in theproposal for Block 4.
Yes, infill is desirable. Yes, the downtown commercial core could be expanded. However, judging from other downtown projects from HomeBase (Black Olive and the
Mendenhall stretch) there are surely lessons learned. 1. The scale is questionable and does not blend into the surrounding residential
neighborhoods. The proposed TWO LINDEN TREES to achieve this is ludicrous andinsulting.
2. The intended users of the residences proposed are hardly a range of incomes. (I do wonderwhat the occupancy rate at Black Olive is. It looks fairly dark at night in those condos.) This
project does not provide 'missing middle housing' per the Community Plan.3. Not only has parking been an issue at Black and Olive, now people are finding delivery
trucks (for parcels, for deliveries to the coffee shop) and any moving trucks make fordangerous driving and pedestrian situations. This hardly helps promote walkable
neighborhoods. 4. The lack of aesthetics in the Mendenhall strip HomeBase has colonized is not an asset to
Bozeman. They are characterless and use unpleasant brick. They could be ANYWHERE.Gross. I go out of my way to drive down Main Street and not via Mendenhall, so as not to pass
them. 5. We have caved to this developer before, which claims that it's their way or the highway in
terms of bottom line. Stop caving in to what one commenter likened to the rapaciousAnaconda Copper Co. The driveway variance should not be granted. Surely halving the 40'
distance from the alley would be a safety issue. What's with the cash-in-lieu of parkland ? Itgoes against the strategic plan. HomeBase operates as if it cannot possibly meet Bozeman
planning criteria and 'make ends meet' yet can offer cash to buy it's way out. It's a devil'sbargain.
6. The public has felt excluded from development decisions in other cases with this developer,despite clear opinions. We can do better.
Cordially, Clara Pincus
_______Clara SJ PIncus / she or per (hers or pers)
2010 Spring Creek Dr. Bozeman MT 59715
cell 303/815-6966landline 406/582-8206