HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-14-24 Public Comment - A. Marienthal - Application 24-107 public commentFrom:Alex Marienthal
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Application 24-107 public comment
Date:Friday, December 13, 2024 8:56:53 PM
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Dear City Planners and Commission,
I am writing in opposition of the development at Block 104/Bozeman Yards. I urge you toconsider requiring a significant amendment to this project and/or revoking your approval of
TIF funding for the project. Regardless of the legality, this project does not fit within thecharacter of the neighborhood, nor does it follow previously stated planning goals set forth by
residents (e.g., RuDAT, referenced in a previous commented by B. MacFawn). The projectwas also moved forward too quickly without appropriate public involvement and feedback
regarding major changes to neighborhood streets and infrastructure (i.e., Ida and Aspen St.)Please oppose this CCOA and have the developers submit a new plan that truly fits the
character of the neighborhood, supports the communities needs and involves the neighborsfeedback in planning of major infrastructure changes.
I see zero public comments commending in or in support of this project. If you take the time to
read through the many comments opposing this project, to let it go forward is ignorance and alet down to the people of this town and neighborhood.
It is unbelievable that you can award $3.66 Million of taxpayer dollars for them to provide 2
"affordable" units out of 42 units. And at the same time this development will increase ourproperty taxes again. The luxury condos will likely take a long time to sell, then many will sit
vacant as they are second or third homes only visited a few times a year.
You would be doing the developers a favor by opposing this project, preventing them fromwasting time, money and resources on luxury condos that will likely sit vacant and be difficult
to sell. The recently built Wildlands development has multiple luxury units available, and themajority of the sold units sit vacant.
I suggest you require the developers to revise their plans, they can use the TIF $ to pay for the
process, and come up with:- A building 3 stories or less with the same number (2) or ideally more of affordable units.
- Consider a variance to have the ground floor be residential which is more desirable and morelikely to sell/rent than retail space. This would also make for a quieter less busy feel outside if
they don't have hard to fill/busy retail space. - A plan that does not alter the layout of Ida and Aspen streets without involving public
comment and feedback in the process and suggested alternate routes.- A design that considers the true historic character of the neighborhood, and
- A plan that respects the neighbors and residents of this town.
This project will raise taxes and the cost of living, robs the community of TIF funding, anddoes not support the lives of the workforce that the developers and their clients intend to rely
on.
Other developments in the neighborhood, like Wildlands and Wallace Works, have at least
showed some respect for the neighbors and considered their comments and overallneighborhood vision in order to maintain more of the neighborhoods character.
Please oppose the CCOA for this project and work with the developers on a more thoughtful
plan that truly reflects the nature of the historic district. A five story luxury condo complexwill overshadow all the history of the Mill and Depot and block out the "Big Sky" and
mountains that all come here to enjoy.
Thank you for taking the time to thoroughly read and consider mine and all of the publiccomments.
Respectfully,
Alex Marienthal620 E Peach St.
Bozeman, MT 59715