HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-15-24 Public Comment - E. Talago - Review Authority for the Guthrie (application #23354)From:Emily Talago
To:Agenda; Terry Cunningham; Joey Morrison; Christopher Coburn; Jennifer Madgic; Douglas Fischer
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Review Authority for the Guthrie (application #23354)
Date:Friday, March 15, 2024 10:26:51 AM
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Dear Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Commissioners,
I trust this email finds you well. I am reaching out on behalf of myself and fellow Midtownneighbors to express deep concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment of the formersenior care center at the intersection of N 5th and Villard, application #23354 titled "TheGuthrie." This project aims to pilot the usage of deep incentives permitted by Ordinance2105.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the process and potential outcomes, ourneighborhood is actively engaging in outreach efforts and involving various communitystakeholders, including neighbors, city staff, the developer, and elected and appointedofficials.
For additional context, I have included links to two news articles that have been publishedon the project:
Bozeman Daily Chronicle Article
NBC Montana Article
As of now, concerns over the proposed development include doubts about whether thisproject truly meets affordability goals as intended by the Commission, inadequate andfailing transportation infrastructure to the site, and insufficient attention to pedestriansafety near Whittier Elementary School.
Currently, it is our understanding that this application will not come before you or theCommunity Development Board, and the designated final review authority is the Directorof Community Development. While we are actively fundraising to file an appeal ifnecessary, we believe there is another avenue to address these concerns:
Given that this will be the first project to utilize the city's new Deep Incentives, the stakesare high, and it is imperative that we "get it right," to avoid a negative perception of futureaffordable housing initiatives. Therefore, we are respectfully requesting that you exercisethe authority provided to you in 38.200.010 B.2. to reclaim the role of final review authorityback to the Commission, with a request for recommendation from the CommunityDevelopment Board. This vote must occur at a regularly scheduled meeting and prior toany action taken by the Community Development Director.
Midtown embraces responsible infill and new developments, provided they function safelyand efficiently. Experimental bargaining with deep incentives should be conducted with a
high degree of transparency and stakeholder engagement. As elected officials, you arebest equipped with the necessary accountability guardrails to ensure we negotiate thisproject for maximum community benefit.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. I eagerly await yourresponse and the opportunity for a meaningful dialogue.
Sincerely,
Emily TalagoBozeman Interneighborhood Council Representative, Midtown Neighborhood Association416 West Short StreetBozeman, MT 59715484-866-0029emilytalago@gmail.com