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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-24 Public Comment - D. Triemstra - Comments and concerns with The GuthrieFrom:Dan Triemstra To:Sarah Rosenberg; Agenda Subject:[EXTERNAL]Comments and concerns with The Guthrie Date:Wednesday, March 27, 2024 7:26:38 AM Attachments:The Guthrie Public Comment (1).docx 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 Sarah Rosenberg and City of Bozeman, We, the members of Bozeman Christian Reformed Church (BCRC) are submitting this public comment on the building project proposed for the corner of North 5th and Villard Streets, application #23354 titled “The Guthrie”. As a direct neighbor of this property, we have great interest in the project. We recognize the acute need for affordable housing within our community and applaud this project for attempting to contribute a solution to that problem. We have a major concern with this project, however, and with the deep incentives offered to it by the City of Bozeman. Our concern relates to the ratio of living units versus the onsite parking spaces provided and the burden this issue places on the surrounding neighborhood. On-street parking has historically been very important to this area due to its older homes without large driveways or garages, the proximity to Whittier School, and periodic parking needs due to events at The Elm and Bozeman Christian Reformed Church. Since The Guthrie only proposes 30 onsite parking spaces for its 111 living units, it’s clear that on-street parking will become an even more scarce resource in an already busy neighborhood. Additionally, due to this overcrowding of street parking, BCRC foresees a problem of increased trespassing on its own privately maintained parking lot. If this project goes forward, we feel that the developer should share in the costs of securing the parking lot of Bozeman Christian Reformed Church, corner of 5th and Villard, for our use. The costs could involve a barrier fence along the alley, gates on the entrances, and appropriate no parking signage. Because of these concerns, BCRC feels the planned intensity of The Guthrie is not sensitive to the current identity of the neighborhood. We would like to see the project succeed, but would also like a voice in the continued planning of the project. We feel that more suitable living unit to onsite parking ratios and mitigation for affected neighbors are necessary points that need to be addressed. Thank you for considering our viewpoint. Sincerely, Bozeman Christian Reformed Church 324 North 5th Ave Bozeman, MT 59718 office@bozemanchurch.com (406) 587-7911 From:Dan Triemstra To:Agenda Subject:[EXTERNAL]The Guthrie Date:Wednesday, March 27, 2024 7:27:26 AM Attachments:The Guthrie City Commission Letter (1).docx 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, This comment is in regard to the proposed 5-story residential development at the corner of North 5th and Villard Streets, application #23354 titled The Guthrie. It is our understanding this project seeks to circumvent common building code requirements such as minimum onsite parking and building height restrictions by utilizing the city’s new “deep incentives” for affordable housing. While we are aware of the acute need for affordable housing in our community, we feel these “deep incentives” may place an undue burden on the surrounding neighbors. Since this will be the first project to utilize the city’s “deep incentives”, we respectfully request that the City Commissioners and the Community Development Board take the role of final review authority rather than give sole authority to the Community Development Director. We hope this will ensure appropriate opportunities for community involvement in approval of this project. Thank you. Bozeman Christian Reformed Church members 324 North 5th Ave Bozeman, MT 59718 office@bozemanchurch.com (406) 587-7911