HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-24 Public Comment - D. Wales - Guthrie ProposalFrom:Doug Wales
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Guthrie Proposal
Date:Sunday, March 31, 2024 1:50:38 PM
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Dear Commissioners and City Planners,
Bozeman, Montana is a Boom Town!
Just like other western areas where there is a “new" natural resource discovery, communities go through
extraordinary growth changes and suffer the consequences of poor planning, a transient work-force and rapid
growth. Bozeman, because of its natural resources, amenities and cultural qualities, has become one of the most
highly sought communities to move to in the United States. We are growing at unprecedented rates, and the City
Commissioners are responsible for keeping us safe!
I am 34-year resident of 323 West Lamme Street in Bozeman. As both a resident and business person working for
the community of Bozeman for 3 decades at Bridger Bowl, I can appreciate the challenges you all face in planning
for the growth of Bozeman and handling the growing pains that we are experiencing in our “Western Boom Town”.
Though I was a strong supporter of the 2020 Plan for Bozeman when introduced at the end of the 90’s, I have been
dismayed to see how far this vision has changed and the priorities have shifted by our City Commissioners and city
planners. In the late 90’s, a resident in the north side historic district was not allowed to tear down an outhouse
because of its historical significance. Today, we have 6-story monolithic structures looming over single family
homes in our neighborhood with zoning changes recommended that allow for buildings double the height we now
have shadowing us. Instead of enjoying retirement and the hundreds of thousands of dollars I’ve spent on improving
my Northside fixer-upper, my family honestly lives in fear of our home becoming swallowed up by these tall
buildings now displacing our neighbors only 2 blocks away.
Now we have the 6-story Guthrie being proposed 2 blocks on the other side of us by Andy Holloran and Home Base
developers. I attended the meeting this past Monday, March 25th at the AC Hotel, and learned more what they are
intending to do with this 5plus-story, unattractive building facing our neighborhood. Andy made his intentions very
clear while making 2 points for which provide the basis for the Guthrie Project:
#1 “ they are not doing this project to make a profit ”
#2 " they are offering 30-Day leases for 111 one bedroom, dormitory-sized units ranging from 385 to 500 sq. ft.
rented between $1,400 -$1,700 per month.
Considering the ambitious build-out of our Northside neighborhoods, it is clear that the intention behind this project
is not to alleviate the housing crisis for full-time city residents and families who work in the restaurant/ bar service
business, shops, trade industries and businesses in Bozeman. After hearing Andy and his staff give their
presentation, it is clear that these “attainably-priced” tiny dorm-sized units that could fit 4 bunk beds each, will be
used primarily transient construction workers, hired by construction companies and sub-contractors to work on
respective projects.
I feel this to be an egregiously irresponsible location to place such a massive building. The Guthrie building, filled
with a range of 250 - 350 residents, at least half being transient employees looking for high wages and low rent,
located one block from an Whittier Elementary School, would be unconscionable! There is no desperate need to
have such a building placed in our neighborhood. Currently on North 3rd on the Northside of Peach, in those large
open fields, a massive project of lower cost, affordable housing that will become available earlier than the Guthrie
could event come on line. Furthermore, the location of those buildings between the major corridors of Peach and
Tamarack are much more accessible, and less impactful on our neighborhood elementary school children.
The Guthrie’s proposed 30 parking spaces for that many residents, is once again, appalling. Our neighborhood
streets are already highly impacted by the increased density, and the addition of very likely, 200 more cars looking
for parking space, will overwhelm us.
We implore you to stop and take control of this planning decision and disallow the Guthrie Project to go any further.Home Base could easily and affordably construct a quality, attractive and “attainably-priced" condominium complexfor families who want to raise their children a block from a great elementary school located in a safe neighborhood.
Please don’t let this happen to our neighbors.
Sincerely,
Douglas Wales323 West Lamme StreetBozeman