HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-14-24 Public Comment - C. Lynch - Application for Special Temporary Permit #2414June 8, 2024Mr.Jon FullerOffice of Community DevelopmentCityofBozeman20 East Olive StreetBozeman,MT 59715RE: Application for Special Temporary Permit #24141804 West BabcockBozeman, MTDear Mr. Fuller:This will acknowledge our discussion on June 4, 2024 regarding the above temporarypermit. I write both to object to the issuance of the referenced permit and to request anopportunity to be heard on the application. Time is of the essence as I have beeninformed that the permit has not been approved, yet the applicant has already acted onthe proposal and publicly posted information as if it is a "done deal". This cannot betrue?? Please see the website the applicant has shared publicly: https://bozemanfoodpai-k.com/. ! am also happy to share the correspGndence ! have reGeivedregarding the "kick off block party" on June 29th, which predates our conversation lastweek.The issue is the opening of a "Food Truck Park" at the above location. Recall that Icommunicated my opposition to this project from two perspectives. First, my wife and Iown Mo'Bowls restaurant and food truck, and are intimately familiar with regulationssurrounding food trucks. Second, we live on West Olive Street, a mere two blocks awayfrom said park and are concerned about the implications of this short-sighted and hastilyplanned park to operate within a primarily residential area.The food truck business requires compliance with a multitude of state and municipalregulations, including the City/County Health Department, City of Bozeman MobileVending Ordinances, and Fire Safety Codes issued by the City and State Fire Marshalls.These regulations dictate when and where we can do business and how we operate. Theissuance of a temporary use permit for the proposed park, allows the applicant to avoidimportant land development requirements. Additionally, whether temporary or not, thispark in its current planning state would allow, or at least enable, food trucks to skirtregulations at the detriment of public health and safety.
The proposed location is not properly set up for sustained food truck operations. Thereis no power source for each proposed truck which will require industrial generators torun at all hours in our residential neighborhood. There is no dedicated water source orwastewater dumping station, putting the environment and public health and safety atrisk. There is no plan for patron parkineand the closest intersection is already one of thebusiest in the city. The issuance of a temporary permit, without a traffic study, puts thehealth and safety of all citizens of Bozeman, especially those in this neighborhood at risk.Furthermore, a zoning modification or special use permit requires public notice. We livetwo blocks away and received ZERO notice. How can this be?In summary, Bozeman has a series of robust regulatory requirements in place to foster agood working and living environment. The application at issue seeks to short circuit all ofthis to the detriment of law-abiding businesses and citizens who have every expectationof a fair business environment and a safe, quiet place to live. If you plan to give thisapplication serious consideration, I request that the neighbors and other food vendorsbe given an opportunity to be heard, including my wife and I.We can be reached with questions at 401-575-2760 or at 719-640-5061.Sincerely.-3»^e*^^Connor C. Lynch