HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-25 Public Comment - S. Ahmed - Public Comment - The Guthrie ApplicationFrom:Selenaceae
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment - The Guthrie Application
Date:Tuesday, December 31, 2024 11:53:44 AM
Attachments:PublicComment_December2024_SAhmed.pdf
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Public Comment December 31st 2024
Please Take a Place at the Table for Justice, Even if You Have No Appetite:
Reclaim Review Authority for the 2nd Guthrie Application
The Bozeman City Commission stood for justice and public concern this summer byreclaiming review authority over the original Guthrie application and conducting a thoughtful
review of how it aligned with City code. Commissioners Madgic, Deputy Mayor Morrison,and Commissioner Fischer presented extensive evidence to deny the application, despite its
approval by Bozeman's Community Development staff. Commissioner Bode offeredsuggestions for improving equity within the project.
This process reinstated confidence in our community's public process and brought hope. At
the same time, this process shed light on systemic issues that need repair, such as subjectiveand contradictory review criteria that guide development applications.
Now, just months later, we find ourselves in a disheartening situation: the submission of a new
Guthrie application that very closely resembles the previous application. We see before us anapplication that does not meet the criteria you brought forward Given that the City
Commission previously found compelling evidence to deny the application, despite theCommunity Development staff's approval, it is essential that the Commission have review
authority once again.
We understand that the engagement with the Guthrie applications has been complicated andexhausting. We acknowledge that you may not have the appetite to review the new application
—but the community needs your leadership and oversight. Your involvement in the initialreview helped maintain a critical system of checks and balances, and we are requesting you to
return to that role for justice.
I stand with my neighbors and others in Bozeman to urge you, our City Commissioners, toreclaim review authority for the new Guthrie application. This is not just about one
development project; it’s about justice, equity, and sustainability. By ensuring a fair andtransparent process in ushering in developments, we are modeling the values that will guide a
thriving community today and for future generations.
Selena Ahmed410 North 5th Ave
Public Comment
December 31st 2024
Please Take a Place at the Table for Justice, Even if You Have No Appe tite:
Reclaim Review Authority for the 2nd Guthrie Application
The Bozeman City Commission stood for justice and public concern this summer by
reclaiming review authority over the original Guthrie application and conducting a
thoughtful review of how it aligned with City code. Commissioners Madgic, Deputy
Mayor Morrison, and Commissioner Fischer presented extensive evidence to deny the
application, despite its approval by Bozeman's Community Development staff.
Commissioner Bode offered suggestions for improving equity within the project.
This process reinstated confidence in our community's public process and brought
hope. At the same time, this process shed light on systemic issues that need repair,
such as subjective and contradictory review criteria that guide development
applications.
Now, just months later, we find ourselves in a disheartening situation: the submission of
a new Guthrie application that very closely resembles the previous application. We see
before us an application that does not meet the criteria you brought forward Given that
the City Commission previously found compelling evidence to deny the application,
despite the Community Development staff's approval, it is essential that the
Commission have review authority once again.
We understand that the engagement with the Guthrie applications has been a
complicated process. We acknowledge that you may not have the appetite to review
the new application and that you may be exhausted. The community needs your
leadership and oversight. Your involvement in the initial review maintained a critical
system of checks and balances, and we are requesting your return for justice.
I stand with my neighbors and others in Bozeman to urge you, our City Commissioners,
to reclaim review authority for the new Guthrie application. This is not just about one
development project; it’s about justice, equity, and sustainability. By ensuring a fair and
transparent process in ushering in developments, we are modeling the values that will
guide a thriving community today and for future generations.
Selena Ahmed
410 North 5th Ave