HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-01-21 Public Comment - M. Whelan - The IvesFrom:Michael Whelan
To:Agenda
Subject:RE: Project #21165, Ives development
Date:Friday, October 1, 2021 11:01:49 AM
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I wish to express my opposition to this development for the following reasons. This project
does not meet the Bozeman Community Plan’s goal N-1 to create housing for the “missing
middle.” Rather it will create more luxury units for wealthy part-time residents in a part of the city that critically needs missing middle housing. The Community Plan’s goal N-4
speaks of a “sense of place.” Developments by Home Base have never reflected a sense of this place. Rather, they reflect some other place and distinctly continue to destroy the
character of the neighborhoods where its luxury condos are built. Additionally, the request for cash-in-lieu for the parkland provision compounds the threat of loss of character and
sense of place. It is apparent that Home Base has a vision of what Bozeman should look like – a collection of cold, nondescript high rises for the rich. Unfortunately, Home Base
remains blind to what Bozeman has been both architecturally and as a community. Any plan for a five or six-story building abutting single family homes, which are characteristic of
Bozeman neighborhoods, is also contrary to the City’s call for a gentle transition. I am positive no one on the planning board or city commission who enjoys living in a single
family home would welcome such a massive assault to the quality of life that residents near this proposed development would suffer: traffic, parking, loss of privacy, loss of
neighborhood character, etc. Please take into consideration that most of the residents in the surrounding area have been paying property taxes for decades and for some,
generations. Many consider paying property taxes as an investment in their city and their quality of life. Should that be so easily destroyed? For luxury condos? Given our critical
need for affordable housing, it is shocking that yet another luxury development could even be seriously considered. Yes, we need to include density in the City’s growth plan. But at
any cost? Approving yet another luxury development would be a detriment not a benefit. I implore you not to approve this project.
- Michael
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