HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-24 Public Comment - M. Van Den Elzen - Application 24-107From:Mariann Van Den Elzen
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Application 24-107
Date:Friday, December 13, 2024 10:43:29 AM
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Good morning,
I am writing in dismay at the city's decision to provide $3.66 million of public money
assistance without a public notice or deliberation by the City Commission to the Block104/Bozeman Yards development. This type of action is flat out criminal for its lack of
transparency with the public.
I do believe in utilizing infill to address housing needs. However, this project, with 5% of theunits deemed "affordable housing", does nothing to address the lack of affordable housing in
Bozeman. In fact, the amount of luxury units will only continue to drive the cost of living up.It does not provide housing options for existing community members trying to sustain a life in
Bozeman.
In addition, it is my understanding that the transportation study was done in 2023 and onlytook into consideration the impact the additional residential units would have on the
neighborhood and infrastructure. This is in an incomplete study, when the development alsoincludes almost 2,000 sq feet of commercial space. Commercial businesses also have great
impacts on traffic and parking - just look at the Wild Crumb at Wallace/Peach.
Also, the transportation study was done in a silo, not taking into consideration the overallimpact of this development along with the two other major developments in this neighborhood
- the Tamarack/Wallace (Wallace Works) and the Peach/Avocado (Cloverleaf) developments.The overall combined effects of this much development in such a small neighborhood cannot
be overstated, and should never be considered separately.
In addition, I disagree that it is necessary to close Ida, construct the extension of Aspen streetand the alley to the north. The concerns I have over this aspect of the project are:
Increased congestion on Wallace, especially at the proposed Aspen/Wallaceintersection. With the 4-way stop at Wallace/Tamarack in such close proximity to this
proposed new intersection and with the 65-unit/6,000 sq foot commercial space going inat the Wallace Works development the increased congestion will be untenable.
The construction of Aspen street and the alley to the north will greatly reduce parkingfor businesses between Wallace and Cottonwood.
Currently semi-trailer trucks travel on Ida because they can not use Wallace street. Is thecorner at Front/Aspen street going to be wide enough to accommodate these trucks?
How will this increased traffic impact the one-way section of Front Street? Will it be necessary to destroy community members' homes to make way for the
increased traffic from luxury condominiums?
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my dismay and frustration with the city at the lack of
transparency, providing public assistance to the Block 104/Bozeman Yards developmentwithout public notification. This 5-story building, full of luxury condominiums, will forever
change the look, feel and function of this historic corner of the northeast neighborhood. I amagainst this project the way it is currently proposed.
Sincerely,
Mariann Van Den Elzen
516 N 3rd AveBozeman, MT 59715
mariann.vde@gmail.com