HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-24 Public Comment - R. Marshall & C. Campbell - Deny The Guthrie (Application #23354)From:Rebekah Marshall
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Deny The Guthrie (Application #23354)
Date:Monday, July 1, 2024 4:08:43 PM
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Dear City Commissioners,
I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude for your decision to reclaim review authorityover the proposed Guthrie project (Application #23354). This step has made us, as a
community, feel heard by our leaders. Thank you for that. However, after reviewing theminimal changes submitted by Homebase Partners, I now strongly urge you to deny
development application #23354.
Please rescind section 38.380 of the Bozeman Municipal Code. The Affordable Housing
Ordinance was rushed when it was officially created and is still not ready to be implemented.Similarly, the Deep Incentives plan is flawed due to its broad approach, which fails to consider
the complexities of different scenarios. I strongly encourage you to pause and reconsider.Allow for community involvement, and let’s create a model for other growing communities to
replicate. Imagine Bozeman as a model city for creating an effective Affordable Housingsystem that others emulate. It’s not too late to do the right thing.
This process has been extremely taxing on our family, as well as many other neighbors andtheir families. We’ve spent countless hours on research and reviewing documents, all while
trying to balance family life. Being one of the closest homes in proximity to the proposedGuthrie project, it’s important to discuss the personal impact:
Emotional Stress: Concerns over demolition, debris, and hazardous materials such asasbestos blowing directly onto our yard and family
Emotional Stress: Concerns over the volume of cars and traffic and the threat thatimposes on our toddler's safety
Financial Stress: Significant costs associated with adding fencing for our toddler'ssafety
Financial Stress: Significant costs to add additional landscaping for privacy
We are all affected by this flawed plan as it stands. We should feel safe walking our children
to and from Whittier Elementary. We should feel safe being able to leave our driveways. Thetenants of the proposed Guthrie should feel confident that they are getting true affordability
and a positive living experience with appropriate square footage. We should be able to trustthe program(s) (NCOD) in place will protect the history, look, and feel of our neighborhood.
I understand that your positions are not easy, and I appreciate your dedication to serving ourcity. I trust that you will carefully weigh the concerns of residents in your decision-making
process.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
Rebekah Marshall & Chris Campbell
401 N 5th Ave