HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-15-23 Public Comment - A. Hoitsma - Library parking lot proposalFrom:Amy Kelley Hoitsma
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Library parking lot proposal
Date:Wednesday, November 15, 2023 11:48:15 AM
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To whom it may concern:
I would like to comment on the proposal that Left Lane Development has made to the
Bozeman Public Library Board of Trustees to build a multi-storied parking structure where thecurrent library parking lot sits to the south and west of the library.
I have read both the MOU put forward by the developers and the list of concerns raised by the
Library Board of Trustees. Those concerns are significant and, in my opinion, justify a “no”vote by the Board.
Those concerns are:
1. That for 75 years (and potentially 150), the library would be prevented from building
anything on site that would be taller than the hotel and residential structure proposed to bebuilt by the developer. The trustees point out that it would be irresponsible to burden future
library boards with such drastic restrictions.
2. None of the “public” parking discussed in the MOU are guaranteed to be available to thepublic, so the library could potentially lose all parking for patrons.
3. The library (and Bozeman citizens who voted to buy the property) would no longer own the
property that is now the parking lot, and would be prohibited from either selling it or buildingANYTHING on that property in the next 75-150 years.
4. During construction, which could last several years, there is no guarantee that there will be
ANY parking for library patrons.
5. The Board of Trustees is being asked to approve this complicated agreement in a shortamount of time, not allowing the board to do their due diligence on behalf of the public. THE
DEVELOPER’S URGENCY SHOULD NOT BE THE BOARD’S CONCERN.
6. The residents of Bozeman would lose civic space, which is extremely valuable in our city.What is currently a landscaped parking lot and public space with trees and sculptures would
become essentially a private structure, with public access allowed only when it suits theprivate developer.
Bottom line, this project is of limited benefit to the library and to the public, who paid for that
library and that public space. I wholeheartedly support the Library Board of Trustees rejectingthis proposal outright.
With my best,
Amy Kelley Hoitsma
706 E. Peach Street, Bozeman 59715
406-581-1513
aok@mcn.net