HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-15-23 Public Comment - H. Crosby - Bozeman Library Parking GarageFrom:Hillary-Anne Crosby
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman Library Parking Garage
Date:Wednesday, November 15, 2023 9:33:29 AM
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Good morning,
I'm writing to voice my strong opposition to the New York developer's proposal to build a
parking garage "for" the Bozeman Public Library. A few of my reasons, in no particular order:
- The proposal prevents that library from building vertically in the future to "protect the light,air and views in favor of the hotel property." While the library just underwent a round of
renovations, it's preposterous to assume that the current size and shape of the library willcontinue to serve Bozeman in perpetuity. That we would agree to tamp down future dreams
for our public library in favor of a New York developer's hotel views is ridiculous.
- While the offer proposes 270 spaces for the library and 154 for the hotel, I don't see howthey'd regulate that in any meaningful way. Those of us wanting to visit the library may not be
able to find a parking spot because too many library-designated spots have been taken up bycondo owners' visitors. Right now the library parking lot is also used by folks visiting the
park, Peet's Hill, or the Galligator — but all of those are publicly shared spaces that benefit allof us and not just the wealthy.
- It's very concerning that the developer did not return calls to our local paper when they were
asking questions about the proposal. To me, it demonstrates their unwillingness to work ingood faith with the people of Bozeman or be accountable to us.
I'm very much in favor of in-town density to prevent urban sprawl into our Gallatin Valley,but this developer's proposal is parasitic despite its attempt at appearing mutually beneficial.
This will not benefit the people of Bozeman, this won't bring us affordable housing, and it willonly pave the way for an out-of-state developer to benefit from the wealth of a few at the cost
of the many.
I hope that the Library's board of trustees will see through this proposal and decline it.
Sincerely,Hillary-Anne Crosby