HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-15-23 Public Comment - A. Crawford - Strongly Oppose LEFT LANE library parking garageFrom:Alan Crawford
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Strongly Oppose LEFT LANE library parking garage
Date:Wednesday, November 15, 2023 10:15:48 AM
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I have been reading about the project from Left Lane to develop the area immediately west of the Library.
As defined in the detailed PDF file provided on the library foundation web site, I would like to say that I very
strongly oppose this project!!! My opposition is explained below.
I have no problem with the current land owner(s) selling this property to the NYC Left Lane developer. I also have
no problem, at least at a high level, with Left Lane wanting to develop this property that they plan to purchase from
the current owner(s).
I have a MAJOR problem with the City of Bozeman / Library even considering, let alone entering into a MoU to
lease a parking lot owned by the City of Bozeman (essentially owned by all citizens of Bozeman) to Left Lane for
part of their overall project development.
What are you thinking?
This is NOT your (the library board or who ever it is making this decision) parking lot to simply hand over to some
NYC developer (let alone lease the parking lot for $1 per year for 75 years).
This decision, which I fear will not be changed just as so many other development related City decisions are not
changed despite public outrage and despite the City granting all kinds of variances to the developers, is terrible and
in no way looking at the best interests of the City, the library or, most important, the citizens. The current library
parking lot, as far as parking lots go, is nicely designed and landscaped and gives a nice transition from the library to
the park (Lindley and other). Building a massive parking garage totally ruins the entire area. This is NOT New York
City.
I’ve lived in Bozeman 19 years and watched, with great sadness, the mostly terrible development and City decisions
that have happened mostly in the last 5 years! Your “gift” to Left Lane will make Andy Holloran (the developer who
is almost singlehandedly destroying Bozeman with help from the City) jealous!
I do give Left Lane some credit for recognizing that parking is important (Andy could learn a lesson here). That
said, if Left Lane cannot develop the land they plan to purchase without a gift from the City then Left Lane needs to
reconsider their plans.
Sincerely,
Alan Crawford
Bozeman, Montana