HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-30-24 Public Comment - E. Darrow - Darrow-Walseth Public Comment on Guthrie & NCODFrom:Elizabeth Darrow
To:terry.cunningham@bozeman.net; Jennifer Madgic; emma.boden@bozeman.net; Douglas Fischer; Joey Morrison
Cc:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Darrow-Walseth Public Comment on Guthrie & NCOD
Date:Monday, December 30, 2024 11:04:26 AM
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Dear Mayor Cunningham, Deputy Mayor Morrison, Commissioners Madgic, Fischer andBode:
As private persons we are expressing these views and are not representing any bodies we maybe part of in this community. We are writing to state our deep concerns regarding the
management of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) and the loomingand problematic Guthrie Project. The issues we are listing are critical to the preservation of
Bozeman's historical and community values. We respectfully submit two specific requests foryour consideration and action:
Request 1: Reestablish the Commission's control over the Guthrie Project
It is essential for the Commission to take back authority over the Guthrie Project to ensure
transparency, accountability, and adherence to the stated goals of Bozeman’s growth policyand that this new iteration of the Guthrie has not satisfied key conditions of the City's own
reasons for denial last summer. Key reasons for this request include:
Administrative Review Concerns: Delegating review authority to administrative staff
undermines transparency and may violate the Montana Constitution, which prohibits avoidingpublic scrutiny in matters of significant public interest. Past instances, such as the former City
Manager & CDB examples of arrogance, abuses of power in development issues seen in theLibrary controversies and the tragic demolition of Bozeman Deaconess Hospital have eroded
public trust in city governance. We ask, whose interests are represented in these important
matters?Historical Preservation: The demolition of Bozeman Deaconess is a poignant example of theconsequences of inadequate oversight. Decisions regarding historically significant propertiesmust reflect the values and lived experiences of generations of Bozeman residents.Community Representation: The city government must unequivocally represent the interestsof residents, not developers. When property is treated solely as an investment opportunity, thecommunity’s character and livability are compromised and often beyond repair.
Restoring Commission oversight is a necessary step to uphold the intent and purpose of theDemolition Stay and to ensure that future decisions align with Bozeman’s values and publiccommitments.
Request 2: Maintain the Current Boundaries of the NCOD
I urge the Commission to reject any proposals to alter the NCOD boundaries or weaken itsprotections. The NCOD plays a vital role in preserving the character and history of ourneighborhoods. Key reasons for this request include:
Unmet Intent and Purpose: The intent and purpose of the NCOD have not been fully
realized. Draft changes to the Unified Development Code (UDC) proposed by some staffthreaten to remove critical protections, leaving historic resources vulnerable to destruction.Incomplete Historic Inventory: The current inventory of historic districts and NCODproperties is incomplete. Recent additions, such as Westgate Village’s designation for the
National Register of Historic Places, is just one example that highlights the need for acomprehensive historic survey before any major changes occur to the NCOD as the
Consultants, Community Planning Collaborative, themselves recommend. CPC hired by thecity for their expertise and advice based on years of professional experience.Preservation Standards: It has become very clear over years that the "guidelines" clarifycompliance with design recommendations and should be required and strongly vetted, not just
"optional."Any changes that weaken these standards jeopardize Bozeman’s commitment to
preservation and intention and stronger protections in any new UDC.
Maintaining the NCOD boundaries is essential to safeguard the city’s historical integrity andprevent overdevelopment that disregards Bozeman’s unique identity.
In conclusion, We urge the Commission to prioritize these actions to ensure that Bozeman
remains a community that values its history, character, and residents. Thank you forconsidering this analysis and requests. We welcome the opportunity to discuss them further.
Sincerely,Jim Walseth & Elizabeth Darrow
Bozeman
Elizabeth
"Whoever wants to see what will be, considers what has been..." (Machiavelli)