HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-24 Public Comment - A. Kociolek - Comment for tonightFrom:Angela Kociolek
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Comment for tonight
Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 12:01:32 PM
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.
Nov 26, 2024
Dear Mayor Cunningham, Deputy Mayor Morrison and Commissioners Bode, Fischer,
and Madgic,
I am writing about two items on your agenda tonight. Apologies for this late submission
of my comment. My duties as a mother took precedence but I am carving out time at this
moment to quickly send my thoughts to you. Please consider them as you make your
voting decisions this evening.
Ordinance 2175: I read the amendment to include gender inclusive language in the BMC.
It makes sense and improves the existing document. I hope you will support the motion
to adopt this ordinance amendment.
Ordinance 5663: I read the staff report and, as a 25+ year NorthEast Neighborhood
resident, disagree with much of its content. I ask you to reject the Tax Increment Finance
(TIF) request by the Bozeman Yards/Block 104 project.
The historic depot and surrounding area is a prime opportunity for historic preservation
and revitalization. The Bozeman Yards project is not it. It’s another overbuilt,
ostentatious gentrifying gut punch to those of us who have cared for this neighborhood. I
disagree with staff’s determination that it meets the goal “Honor the Unique Character
and Vitality of the District.”
Could the area be redeveloped in a way that honors the unique character and vitality of
our district? Could it be redeveloped in a way that uses space more efficiently and
beautify it at the same time? Absolutely. But the proposed project – at five stories –
would cast a literal and figurative shadow upon the dream of a reborn depot-inspired
public space. If the Bozeman Yards project as a whole is approved, please require it to
reduce its mass and scale.
Bakertilly’s analysis is “Financial assistance from the City would increase the projected
returns as it would reduce the Developer’s permanent equity investment in the project.”
Their assumption is that “The estimated total development costs are $65 million and the
estimated total sales proceeds for both commercial and residential are $74 million.”
That’s a profit of $9 million!
For the project to then request $3.66 million in TIF assistance, is asking for the City to
ensure ~40% of its profits. It is not the City’s responsibility to ensure that the investors
get the return on investment that they want. With only two units, this is not an affordable
housing project. We, NENA residents and the people of Bozeman get nothing in return
for granting this TIF assistance. There is no need to build out Aspen Street if this project
wasn’t put in.
Please do not vote in support of TIF assistance for this project.
Thank you,
Angie Kociolek