HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-22 Public Comment - L. Gilmore - The North Central DevelopmentFrom:Lesley Gilmore
To:Agenda
Subject:The North Central Development
Date:Thursday, February 10, 2022 2:16:48 PM
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February 10, 2022
Re: North Central Development and the Demolition of the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital
Honorable City Commissioners,
There are several issues at play in the North Central Development at W. Lamme, N. Tracy, N. Grand,
and W. Villard development that are under your purview. You have legal obligations via Bozeman’s
Unified Development Code (UDC). From what I understand, you don’t seem to be applying the UDC
per its stated intentions. The purpose of the review authority granted to the city commission by the
UDC is to “…to conserve the value of adjoining buildings and/or property; to protect the character of
the city…” (38.200.010 A.).
In addition, the following excerpts from Chapter 38 of the UDC should be guiding your review of this
project (words bolded by me) located in the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District:
1. “All new construction, alterations to existing structures, movement of structures into or out
of the neighborhood conservation overlay district, hereinafter referred to as the
conservation district, or demolition of structures by any means or process will be subject to
design review unless specifically exempted. The recommendations of the design review
board or administrative design review staff must be given careful consideration in the final
action of the review authority.” (38.340.010. A.)
2. “The intent and purpose of the conservation district designation is to stimulate the
restoration and rehabilitation of structures, and all other elements contributing to the
character and fabric of established residential neighborhoods and commercial or industrial
areas. New construction will be invited and encouraged provided primary emphasis is given
to the preservation of existing buildings and further provided the design of such new space
enhances and contributes to the aesthetic character and function of the property and the
surrounding neighborhood or area.” (38.340.010 C.)
3. “It is further the purpose of the conservation district designation to protect and enhance
neighborhoods or areas of significant land planning or architectural character, historic
landmarks or other built or natural features for the educational, cultural, economic benefit or
enjoyment of citizens of the city.” (38.340.010 F.)
The interpretation is simple, EXCEPT for the fact that the UDC has a built-in avoidance of the value of
the buildings in the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District when the project is deemed
“exempt.” The cited structural inadequacies of the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital are temporary –
they can be repaired as outlined in DCI’s report dated August 26, 2020. This should not be used as an
excuse to avoid thorough review of the impact of the new development on the neighborhood. It
should not be used to allow demolition of the historic Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.
The 1920 Bozeman Deaconess Hospital was deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places in 2014. The building is significant architecturally, historically, and socially. This is not
the type of building the city should support demolition of. In addition, the north part of the
development site is immediately adjacent to the North Tracy Historic District. You are mandated to
protect and enhance such neighborhoods of significant architectural character.
I urge you to fulfill your obligations to the citizens of Bozeman and not allow this development to be
approved in its current form. The overlay is meant to take precedence over the underlying zoning.
70’-tall buildings are not appropriate for this historic neighborhood. Prevention of such egregious
attempts at obliterating historic Bozeman is in your purview. Following the stated clauses in the UDC
will provide you with all the validation you need to make the right decision. Visit with your historic
preservation staff and advisory board to come to a resolution that will allow Bozeman to retain some
integrity.
Thank you for your consideration,
Lesley M. Gilmore
180 North Low Bench Road
Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
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