HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-29-24 Public Comment - M. Bateson - 7th & Aspen Revised Application #24192 and #24192From:Mary Bateson
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]7th & Aspen Revised Application #24192 and #24192
Date:Monday, October 28, 2024 3:12:22 PM
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To City Commissioners, Community Development Board, or Staff reviewing the 7th & Aspen Revised
Application #24192 and #24192,
I have lived in Bozeman since 1981, and have been at the same address, 427 N. Tracy Ave., since
1987. In that time, it has saddened me to see the City of Bozeman allow so many trees to be cut
down in the name of development. Our urban forest is incredibly important. I am asking that the
City please do all in its power to protect and maintain the trees in our city!
Specifically, I am writing to voice my support for the recommendations that the Bozeman Tree
Coalition has made in regards to the project at 7th and Aspen.
“The BTC is asking that the applicant be required to keep 75% of the existing trees including the two
large spruce trees in the front yard of Phase 1 in order to be compliant with Plan Review Criteria
38.230.100. A.1. and A.7a, c and d - which require designing around existing vegetation and
preserving neighborhood character - which in this case has a lot to do with these trees. BTC
proposes the following solution: Remove a section of eight identical apartments (two per floor) in
the Phase 1 building thereby decreasing the floor area of the building, which will allow one or both
of the largest trees on the property to remain on the west side of the phase 1 building—continuing
to provide the future residents and neighborhood with their ecosystem services, historic connection,
and visual shield from N. 7th Ave. The apartments removed from Phase 1 can be included into the
Phase 3 building to the north, resulting in the same number of affordable units. This creative
solution results in both affordable housing units and the protection of existing mature trees.
Additionally, BTC suggests that the applicant strive to save at least 75% of the mature vegetation
(trees and shrubs) that already exists on the property. Also, BTC believes parkland (perhaps in the
form of a pocket park) should be required at this site rather than offering the option of cash in lieu
of parkland.”
Thank you for your kind consideration!
Mary Bateson
427 N Tracy Ave