HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-16-23 Public Comment - C. Keller - Comments on Proposed Parking Lot and Adjacent DevelopmentFrom:Colleen Keller
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Comments on Proposed Parking Lot and Adjacent Development
Date:Wednesday, November 15, 2023 2:26:52 PM
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Dear Board of Trustees,
But it is so Much More...
Please retain the current library parking lot for current and future patrons of the library. The
library is an incredible resource, a gem on Main Street. But it is so much more. It is the headof the trail to Peets Hill. It is picnic tables where there is free lunch for kids in need. It is an
open space where one can try a new fly rod, and kids can play. On occasion, there is musicand the ability to bring your chair. There are valuable local businesses at the end of the lot in
question - GVLT, Oboz, Good Medicine where acupuncture is sliding scale for all. You mightbe surprised how crowded these services are. The library is an anchor to open space, to
community programs, to views of the Bridger- that are community resources. Please stewardthem for the benefit of the community.
The Proposed MOU
The current MOU with Left Lane offers a mere $1 per year for 75 years! It contributes a mere$350,000 to Community Housing- not enough to buy half a home in Bozeman. the MOU goes
further, to protect the ‘air, light, and views’ of the hotel/condo guests. Might we dream ofprotecting those very same resources for those who LIVE in the community? The MOU
allows library patrons to occupy a portion of the landscaped roof if this future garage, onlywith a library staff member with a badge. Are hotel guests and condo owners scheduled to
this same restriction? This does not sound like sharing.
If you must enter into an MOU, please garner more for the community, perhaps somethingcommensurate with the original $4 million bond passed to acquire the property.
Or, perhaps engage GVLT and current neighbors to imagine how one might expand parking in
a way which benefits community, and preserves open space?
Building Good Neighbors?
The Bozeman code clearly states the development in existing neighbors should not overwhelmcurrent structures. Both the parking lot, and the proposed high rise building running a long
portion of narrow Wallace- well, I believe they will OVERWHELM. Might the developer putforward a plan for a property which does not absorb the library/community parking; ie takes
responsibility for parking on the parcel they plan to develop? This might be moreappropriately scaled to the existing neighborhood.
Please protect your extraordinary library, and all that it gives us. Please steward the land the
original $4 million bond purchased for the community. When we partner with developers,let’s make sure it is a benefit.
Colleen Keller