HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-24 Public Comment - K. Rydell - review of the Guthrie buildingFrom:kiki rydell
To:Agenda; Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]review of the Guthrie building
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 10:39:55 AM
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Dear Bozeman City Commissioners and Mayor Cunningham:
I am writing to ask you to take over the review process of the Guthrie right away. It is
inappropriate that a planner for the city--a member of city staff and someone who is
not directly responsible to the citizens of Bozeman--review such an important and big
project right in the middle of an old and established neighborhood. City staff can
assist with the "how" of completing projects but not the "whether projects as designed
should happen." That's the responsibility of the Commission. May I also note that theparticular city staff member who would review the project does not have the
confidence of the residents of Bozeman.
As I understand it, the Guthrie is going to be as tall as the Baxter Hotel (just about60') with 111 residential units; it's also the first project to take advantage of what you
call "deep incentives," which allow the project developer to reduce on-site parking
requirements, use materials and design processes of a lower quality, and include two
additional stories of height. The Guthrie, which is located within the conservationoverlay district, presents, as I understand it, a precedent-setting use of these "deep
incentives." Certainly the City Commission which represents the city's electorate--and
not some member of city staff with no necessary allegiance to the city--should be
responsible for determining whether the Guthrie as designed conforms to theCommission's own policy objectives. Please take back review of this project right
away!
Thank you.
Kiki Leigh Rydell