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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-14-23 Public Comment - D. Egnatz - Wed, Nov 15, Library Board of Trustees [LBOT] meeting, the proposed MOU, and the proposed hotel_condo_parking development projectFrom:Diane Sheehan Egnatz To:Agenda Cc:Terry Cunningham; Susan Gregory Subject:[EXTERNAL]Wed, Nov 15, Library Board of Trustees [LBOT] meeting, the proposed MOU, and the proposedhotel/condo/parking development project Date:Tuesday, November 14, 2023 7:17:01 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I recently learned of the proposal from Left Lane Development to lease part of the Libraryproperty and am very concerned it is not in the best interest of the Library or Bozeman. While the concept of a shared parking garage with park-like areas on the top is interesting, theway the agreement is structured is far to restrictive and too much in the favor of the developer: 1. Restrictions to the top floor park area: This is already library property and as such should be accessible to all, not just library patrons who are “escorted”. 2. 75 year restriction on height: It’s very conceivable that there will be a need for a bigger library space as Bozeman grows. If the height restriction is approved, the Library would beforced to find another location, at current market value, and then be saddled with a restricted lot that can’t be sold for maximum profit due to the height restriction. I find it hard to see anybenefit to the library or public for this covenant. 3. Landscaping/loss of open space: The plans show that the rotary currently on the west side ofthe Library would be eliminated, along with the plantings and sculpture, paved over and made into parking as would the three islands that separate the east and west parking areas, allconverted to parking with trees and plantings removed ground level parking would be extended beyond the current area by approximately 100 ft southward thus creating anadditional 38 parking places, but adversely impacting sculptures currently in place and trail system on east side. All trees (75+?) would be eliminated and there would be no green spacewithin the lot. Open space is at a premium and it’s hard to go back after it’s been paved over. Can the developer include more parking in their structure (a lower level perhaps?) and allowthe library to maintain the open space… and potentially convert some of the parking into more green space? 4. Parking: I didn’t see any data on current or future library parking needs. How do we know that the allotted parking will be sufficient to service the library for 75 years. Since parking isat a premium in Bozeman, the construction of a new garage should result in significantly more spaces than the current need to allow for future growth. It would be ideal to include extra public parking as more retail and services extend down that section of Main St. 5. I think it’s important to understand WHY Left Lane Development is asking for this sharedparking rather than planning to put parking underneath their building. They made this proposal because even with the “concessions”, it’s way less expensive. How much more? Let’s get that data and then require a significant portion of the cost difference to be put towards this shared space, additional parking, and the Bozeman Community Housing fund. While I’m not opposed to the concept of this shared space, it needs to be in Bozeman’s bestinterest. I’ve seen too many times developers claiming that a request is too “expensive”, then turn around and make massive profits. Let’s start requiring developers to actually invest inour community, not just put up a building. Thank you, Diane Sheehan Egnatz -- Diane Sheehan Egnatz339-206-4459