HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-08-24 Public Comment - S. Klatt - The Guthrie, Application # 23354From:Shiloh Klatt
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]The Guthrie, Application # 23354
Date:Monday, April 8, 2024 1:23:26 AM
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Dear Members of the City Commission,
I am writing to draw your attention to the pressing matter of the proposed propertydevelopment (The Guthrie, Application # 23354) aimed at providing affordable housing
within our community. While the noble objective of affordable housing is commendable, itmust not come at the detriment of our neighborhood and its residents.
It is not in our best interests as a community to bypass health and safety standards ordinarilyvigorously enforced by the city, for good reason. I implore you to prioritize health and safety
over the economic needs of the town and a single developer. Deep incentives may beappropriate in areas of the community where congestion is of less concern. But in the
downtown and mid-town areas, overcrowding of vehicles is already a safety concern. Imagineif there is a fire or other emergency at Whittier School one block away with the congestion
this housing complex will create on these narrow neighborhood streets. Why do so manyothers have to bear the safety risks this project will create?
Furthermore, the stark incongruity between the proposed high-rise structure and theneighborhood's predominantly single-family low-rise homes is deeply concerning. Such a
towering presence would not only obstruct views and sunlight but also disrupt the architecturalharmony others have invested time and resources to preserve.
As custodians of a historic and meaningful establishment that enriches the heritage of ourcommunity, our family has made considerable financial sacrifices to maintain both the
character and culture of our neighborhood and community. It deeply troubles us to witnesselements of this proposed project that blatantly contradict the values we preserve and hold
dear. The projects the city approves may not all be inspiring, but it is important they not bedemoralizing due to the fact they don’t have to follow the rules the rest of us abide by. It is in
all our best interest that the people of this community be energized to enhance their space,rather than toss in the towel for a better cause.
We are proponents of affordable housing. Being in hospitality, our business and workforcedepend upon it greatly. However, we cannot endorse a development that inflicts significant
harm on its surroundings. The negative impact of this project outweighs its purported benefits.We stand ready to support initiatives that align with the best interests of our community. If the
proposed project were designed to provide its own parking at a height that integratesgracefully into its surroundings, we would wholeheartedly welcome and potentially utilize it.
In conclusion, I urge the City Commission to reclaim its authority in reviewing projects ofsuch magnitude and significance. Let us uphold the integrity of our neighborhood, safeguard
the well-being of its residents, and ensure that any development enriches rather thandiminishes our shared community fabric.
Thank you for your dedication to serving our city's best interests.
Sincerely,
Shiloh KlattProprietor, The Sapphire Motel