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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-24 Public Comment - S. Ahmed - Heartfelt Gratitude to Bozeman City CommissionFrom:Selenaceae To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Heartfelt Gratitude to Bozeman City Commission Date:Sunday, July 14, 2024 7:53:45 PM Attachments:PublicComment_July142024_Gratitude.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Public Comment July 14th 2024 Heartfelt Gratitude to Bozeman City Commission I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Bozeman City Commission for its in-depth review of The Guthrie application following reclaiming the review authority. I am impressed by the Commission's careful review of The Guthrie application and how italigns with City code, community needs, and public concerns. I especially would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Commissioner Madgic, Deputy Mayor Morrison, and Commissioner Fischer for denying the application based on the extensiveevidence identified in their review of the application as well as acknowledging public concerns. I would further like to thank Commissioner Bode for critically evaluating theapplication and identifying shortcomings and areas for improvement. During last Tuesday's City meeting on July 9th 2024, I was proud and grateful to Deputy Mayor Morrison and Commissioners Madgic, Fischer, and Bode for demonstrating: · Excellence and justice in bringing forward robust evidence and critical thinking in reviewing The Guthrie application. · Bravery in bringing forward findings and alternative interpretations of review criteria that were not aligned with the City Staff report. · Empathy in acknowledging the outpour of public concern, particularly that of a midtown neighborhood in distress. · Grace in communication with each other and City staff. · Fairness in decision making, putting aside 'agendas' to critically evaluate the application. The City Commission's reclaiming the review authority, dedicating time and effort to carefullyreview the application, and vote to deny the application has reinstated pride and confidence inour community's public process for myself and many in our neighborhood and across town.The City Commission's unprecedented decision has tremendous hope to positively shape ourcommunity and how we move forward. At the same time, the meeting on July 9th and circumstances that led to that meeting haveuncovered systems and relationships in need of healing and repair, including correcting forsubjective and contradictory review criteria that governs the administrative process ofdevelopment applications and the need for checks-and-balances, as that provided by the CityCommission's review. As I sat on my front porch the night of July 9th, awaiting to congratulate my neighbors on theapplication decision as they returned from the City Commission meeting, they returned home as wounded soldiers. They were distressed and were unable to celebrate. They have foughthard for justice and neighborhood wellbeing the past 7 months and hold the weight of what is to come. While I hope the City Commission could pause to reflect and rest, I recognize the tremendoushard work and uncertainty ahead. I encourage the City Commission to lean into the public for supporting you - as you support us. Through all what is to come, I am grateful to have theCommission representing the diverse interests for the wellbeing of the community and the incredible ecosystem of Bozeman, now and for future generations. Selena Ahmed410 North 5th Ave Public Comment July 14th 2024 Heartfelt Gratitude to Bozeman City Commission I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Bozeman City Commission for its in- depth review of The Guthrie application following reclaiming the review authority. I am impressed by the Commission's careful review of The Guthrie application and how it aligns with City code, community needs, and public concerns. I especially would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Commissioner Madgic, Deputy Mayor Morrison, and Commissioner Fischer for denying the application based on the extensive evidence identified in their review of the application as well as acknowledging public concerns. I would further like to thank Commissioner Bode for critically evaluating the application and identifying shortcomings and areas for improvement. During last Tuesday's City meeting on July 9th 2024, I was proud and grateful to Deputy Mayor Morrison and Commissioner Madgic, Fischer, and Bode for demonstrating: • Excellence and justice in bringing forward robust evidence and critical thinking in reviewing The Guthrie application. • Bravery in bringing forward findings and alternative interpretations of review criteria that were not aligned with the City Staff report. • Empathy in acknowledging the outpour of public concern, particularly that of a midtown neighborhood in distress. • Grace in communication with each other and City staff. • Fairness in decision making, putting aside 'agendas' to critically evaluate the application. The City Commission's reclaiming the review authority, dedicating time and effort to carefully review the application, and vote to deny the application has reinstated pride and confidence in our community's public process for myself and many in our neighborhood and across town. The City Commission's unprecedented decision has tremendous hope to positively shape our community and how we move forward. At the same time, the meeting on July 9th and circumstances that led to that meeting have uncovered systems and relationships in need of healing and repair, including correcting for subjective and contradictory review criteria that governs the administrative process of development applications and the need for checks-and- balances, as that provided by the City Commission's review. As I sat on my front porch the night of July 9th, awaiting to congratulate my neighbors on the application decision as they returned from the City Commission meeting, they returned home as wounded soldiers. They were distressed and were unable to celebrate. They have fought hard for justice and neighborhood wellbeing the past 7 months and hold the weight of what is to come. While I hope the City Commission could pause to reflect and rest, I recognize the tremendous hard work and uncertainty ahead. I encourage the City Commission to lean into the public for supporting you - as you support us. Through all what is to come, I am grateful to have the Commission representing the diverse interests for the wellbeing of community and the incredible ecosystem of Bozeman, now and for future generations. Selena Ahmed, PhD 410 North 5th Ave