HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-16-23 Public Comment - S. Wood - Library parking lot MOU_proposalFrom:shanawood@q.com
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL][SENDER UNVERIFIED]Library parking lot MOU/proposal
Date:Wednesday, November 15, 2023 3:35:31 PM
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To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing to express opposition to the proposed construction of a parking facility at the BozemanPublic Library as described in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) put forth by Left LaneDevelopment. The purpose of the parking facility is to support a large, luxury hotel where thecurrent office for Empire Building Materials office exists.
I am opposed to the proposed parking structure on the site of the current library parking lot, and Istrongly urge the Board of Trustees to vote against the MOU. There is limited benefit to the libraryand potentially there are huge costs. The limitations imposed by the MOU on the Bozeman PublicLibrary and the taxpayers and citizens of Bozeman are unreasonable and extreme.
Here’s why I am opposed:
The MOU limits expansion of the library both vertically and horizontally for at least 75 years. Anarticle from November 11, 2023 in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle cited data that showed a 50%increase in Bozeman’s population from 2000 to 2020. The library is a cornerstone of the communityoffering varied services and the Board should not be hobbled from expanding to meet growingneeds.
It’s unclear from the MOU how many parking spaces would be available to library users. What isclear is that the luxury hotel and condo facility would pay the library $1/year. With no clearguarantee of adequate parking for library users this lease agreement is absurd and stingy.
Access to the current library parking lot would be severely limited during construction of the350,000 square foot development.
The taxpayers of Bozeman voted to clean up a contaminated site and build a new library therebecause they valued an accessible, modern, light-filled space to provide a cornerstone to thecommunity, which provides access to other valuable space including Lindley Park, Peets Hill, theGalligator Trail and the library sculpture garden. To open the mitigated and capped site to build aparking garage seems unwise and risky, with the cost potentially being borne by taxpayers.
I simply cannot stress enough how crazy this Left Lane proposal appears. As a community member,taxpayer, and patron of the library I will absolutely support the Library Board of Trustees decision toreject this proposal.
Sincerely,
Shana Wood
506 E Cottonwood Street, Bozeman, MT