HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-16-23 Public Comment - J. Ruchman - brief comment on the proposed developmentFrom:Jane Ruchman
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]brief comment on the proposed development
Date:Wednesday, November 15, 2023 4:49:06 PM
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Hi – I just received my latest issue of the Bozeman Chronicle right after biking to the library to
return a book. Because I was on bicycle, I did not have to look for a parking space, but I
noticed that almost all of the parking spots were taken. I also noted that a lot of people were
out enjoying this unusually mild November day in the spaces (grass/ pathways/ etc) adjacent
to the parking lots.
All I know about this latest proposal is what is included in the Bozeman Chronicle article but
already it sounds like that proposal would bring proverbial dark clouds over the currently
sunny outdoor spaces around the library. I was super glad to read Janay Johnson’s quote in
the article about “the [original] understanding it [that space] would remain public space” and
“preserving that civic space for the people”. I have lived in this area over 30 years and
remember the old library and the monumental effort it took a dedicated group of people to
bring the new library to fruition, with many of us donating money to make it happen. The
proposal already would provide restrictions on how the top level of the parking garage could
not be used by the public. That already bodes poorly for a private company wanting to
develop a public space. I agree with Janay that this proposal would not reflect a net benefit to
the library nor to its patrons and the citizens of Bozeman.
Please turn down this company’s request.
Jane Ruchman