HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-24 Public Comment - N. ten Broek - The Guthrie Reclaim Review Authority.From:Noah ten Broek
To:Agenda; Sarah Rosenberg
Subject:[EXTERNAL]The Guthrie Reclaim Review Authority.
Date:Friday, March 22, 2024 9:37:52 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Bozeman City Commission,
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the proposed development of TheGuthrie and to urge the City Commission to reconsider its approval process for this project.As a resident deeply invested in the well-being of our community, I believe it is imperativethat elected officials take a proactive role in safeguarding the interests of all residents,particularly in light of the significant impact this development could have on ourneighborhood.
First and foremost, I want to emphasize the practical implications of The Guthrie'sproposed scope, particularly in terms of parking and height. The absence ofcomprehensive parking surveys raises serious doubts about the project's viability, especiallyconsidering the potential influx of over 200 additional vehicles into our neighborhood.With limited parking already a pressing issue, the lack of adequate provisions for parkingwould only exacerbate congestion and safety concerns, particularly for Whittier Elementaryand nearby establishments like The Elm.
Furthermore, the height of The Guthrie poses not only aesthetic challenges but alsopractical ones. The overshadowing of neighboring properties not only impacts residents'quality of life but also undermines ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices suchas solar energy installations.
Beyond these practical considerations, there are broader moral and philosophicalimplications at play. The reliance on "deep incentives" to facilitate this development sets aconcerning precedent, allowing developers like HomeBase Partners to wielddisproportionate influence over our community's identity and character. DowntownBozeman, once a vibrant hub for locals, has been transformed into a tourist-centricdestination, displacing long-standing businesses and eroding the cultural fabric of ourcommunity. We cannot afford to let this pattern continue unchecked, especially at theexpense of our last remaining working-class neighborhoods.
Moreover, The Guthrie's purported goal of providing affordable housing rings hollow inthe face of the stark reality of Bozeman's housing market. The 80% Area Median Income(AMI) threshold fails to capture the true cost of living in our community, leaving manyresidents, particularly those in the hospitality industry, struggling to find housing that alignswith their financial capabilities. We must demand more precise and equitable standards forrental affordability that truly reflect the needs of our diverse community.
In addition to affordability concerns, safety remains a paramount issue, particularly forWhittier Elementary and its students. The lack of safe street crossings, speed buffer zones,
and adequate signage poses significant risks, which could be exacerbated by the influx of amore transient demographic associated with The Guthrie.
Lastly, as custodians of our neighborhood's heritage and character, we must uphold theprinciples of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) and ensure that alldevelopment adheres to its strict aesthetic standards. Preserving our community's uniqueidentity is not just a matter of pride but also a testament to our commitment to futuregenerations.
In light of these concerns, I urge the City Commission to take proactive steps to addressthe issues raised by The Guthrie's proposed development. Reconsidering the approvalprocess and conducting thorough studies on parking, affordability, and safety are essentialfirst steps in ensuring that any development enriches rather than diminishes our sharedcommunity fabric.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt action inaddressing these pressing concerns.
Sincerely, Noah ten Broek