HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-24 Public Comment - M. Kaveney - City Commission 11_26_24- Bozeman Yards Tif ReviewFrom:Marcia Kaveney
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]City Commission 11/26/24- Bozeman Yards Tif Review
Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 11:50:38 AM
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Dear Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Commissioners-
I am writing to you about tonight's Action Item #1, the Bozeman Yards TIF Review. I know
you prefer written comments to come in sooner but unfortunately, this item was off my radaruntil last night.
I see this project has been in the works for many months and will undoubtedly be approved
tonight. The staff recommend it's approval, it's succeeded in meeting more than half therequired points, and there are some redeeming aspects such as the underground parking-
something that I personally believe should be a requirement of all future development.
However, as a former member of the Northeast Neighborhood Urban Renewal PlanningBoard, and a 25 year resident of this quadrant of northeast Bozeman, I find aspects of this
proposal raise questions for me and I want to bring those to your attention in case it helps yousee this project from a different perspective.
Below are quotes that caught my attention and raised questions or concerns:
Narrative. Pg.8. Building design.
"The building is planned to be integrated thoughtfully into the neighborhood, with a designthat complements and enhances the local landscape and community character."
Really? It will be a wall blocking views of the mountains for all but the building's futureresidents by rising two stories above the surrounding Nehmu zoning. I can find nothing
that resembles the local character there, except perhaps the building materials. Somearticulation in the height would be nice for the neighbors to temper the "wall" aspect,
especially if we're reimbursing them for $3M.
"...public courtyards that will have a strong connection with the properties to the southincluding Tinworks."
How? There will now be a street between the two spaces. This sounds like throwing in wordsthey think you want to hear. I hope you dig into this.
"The end goal of the project is to create unique structures that improve with the surrounding
area, activate the depot, and provide green spaces to enhance the neighborhood's ambiance."How will they be activating the depot? Does Mr. Baldasare plan to lease it and fix it up?
BNSF has repeatedly told interested parties they do not sell land.
"The project is designed with balconies to offer outdoor space for residents, allowing forviews of the surrounding mountain ranges."
While they take away views from others to the west and south.
Narrative. Pg. 12.
Elimination of Blight."Rather than unsightly, vanishing streets to nowhere, the block will be completed and built to
city engineering standards. This means pedestrian friendly routes, sidewalks and boulevardtree plantings."
Let's just call it what it is. Gentrification. Personally, I strolled my kiddos there for years andnever considered the streets unsightly but rather enjoyed the solitude and space away from
growth. It's also where we gathered to start the Parade of Sheds with donkeys, bikes, anddogs.
Creation of New Office/Retail Spaces.
We still have empty spaces on E. Main.
Urban Living Options. This site is located in the heart of the Northeast Neighborhood and residents will enjoy
options to access local eateries, music venues, services, Downtown, Cannery District andMidTown.
But the locals that work in those eateries and venues will likely not be able to afford to live inthis complex. So, yay for the second-home owners?
Expansive Courtyards.
The project aims to create expansive public courtyards that will have a strong connection withthe properties to the south including Tinworks.
Again, how will the courtyards connect with properties to the south once divided by the street?Please explain.
Increased Tax Revenue:
The development of Bozeman Yards will lead to increased property tax revenues, which canbe funneled back into future initiatives within the Northeast Neighborhood.
Maybe this is the biggest draw.
New Jobs and Local Sales We can't fill the jobs we have. Continued commercial "opportunities" will exacerbate the
problem.
Lastly, I see the developer, Scott Baldasare, is based in Philadelphia, which goes to show us(the public and the commission) how far word has gotten regarding ease of development in
Bozeman. Is this a reputation we want to continue? I hope you, the newest commission, canhelp temper this reputation and replace it with one of being highly discerning towards projects
especially in regards to the environment, sustainability, and neighborhood building.
In conclusion, while I do see some positive aspects to this project, it certainly raised a lot ofquestions for me. I also don't like to see the commission be treated (in the narrative) as not
able to see the bigger picture. I know you can and are not to be "hoodwinked" by narrativessuch as this one. I hope you will consider my comments when you discuss this project tonight
and take them in the manner in which they are given, which is to ask the developers to toe theline- to put meaning behind their words and not discuss their project with hyperbole. I regret
that I will not be able to attend the meeting in person tonight due to a previous conflict.
Thank you for listening,
Marcia KaveneyBozeman Resident