HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-31-24 Public Comment - L. Grochowski - GuthrieFrom:Bozeman Public Comment
To:laura leafylady.com
Subject:RE: [EXTERNAL]Guthrie
Date:Tuesday, December 31, 2024 1:53:00 PM
Attachments:12-31-24 Public Comment - L. Grochowski - Guthrie.pdf
Hi Laura,
We just spoke. Please find attached your letter as it will appear in Public Comments. Let me know if
it needs changes.
Take care,
Alex Newby
Deputy City Clerk
From: laura leafylady.com <laura@leafylady.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 12:02 PM
To: Bozeman Public Comment <comments@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Guthrie
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December 31, 2024
To Whom It May Concern,
Thank you for taking the time and attention to read and digest my public comment regarding ‘The
Guthrie.’ I will make this short and sweet. As I explained during a public comment opportunity, I
strongly oppose approval of this project. Now, I write this letter to again express my strong
opposition to ‘The Guthrie.’ My reasons are many. However, why waste my time and your time
with thoughtful, proper prose when NO amount of public comment, be it written or oral, will in
any way affect the course of events regarding yet another HomeBase endeavor. I have called at
least 5 people who work for the City of Bozeman, and no one has an answer to a simple question.
The question is: what percentage of projects submitted by HomeBase has been approved. I have
called HomeBase to ask the same question, but they have not returned my calls. Even though the
folks at the city did not have an answer, I imagine that the folks at HomeBase do have an answer.
I am fairly certain that the answer to my query is that EVERY project, 100%, submitted by
HomeBase has been approved. In my opinion, this is more than just a little odd.
I did not become actively involved in educating myself regarding city permit approval procedures,
protocol, etc. until recently. As a city resident I did not monitor the maneuvers involved with the
changes that ultimately came into play regarding the new permitting process. I am curious though,
was EVERYONE asleep at the wheel when these completely nonsensical ideas regarding parking
(or the lack thereof), allowance of astronomically high building variances and other ridiculously
inane ‘deep incentive’ “incentives” were allowed in the name of ‘affordable housing?’ Who was
responsible for this decision-making and who ultimately approved this ludicrous nonsense? And
why? What part of city governance came up with and ultimately approved of this process? What
were you thinking? Unfortunately, I, for one, was asleep at the wheel. And, boy, what a rude
awakening! So, now there is a thoroughly wacky permitting process that allows for thoroughly
wacky projects to be permitted. Thanks a lot, City of Bozeman! Thanks a lot! Well done – NOT!
The HomeBase website states “Drawn to downtowns with rich architectural histories and
distinctive character, HBP is renowned for elegantly balancing preservation with innovative
modern design.”. Yes, HomeBase is drawn to someplace exactly like Bozeman. But I don’t
connect the words “renowned,” “elegant,” “balance,” “preservation,” or “innovative” with any
project affiliated with HomeBase Partners except Block M. I like Block M. HomeBase hit a
homerun here. Then the monstrosities started being built. The eyesores started falling into place
(and disrepair?). The unattractive structures which are completely incongruous to our original
Bozeman cityscape started springing up – and it hasn’t stopped! Things have been rollin’ right
along for HomeBase. Goody for them. NOT goody for Bozeman nor her residents.
Well, drat, I only have a couple of minutes to finish this letter before the deadline. Barely enough
time to review my writing. Please forgive a bit of poor writing skills. Like I said, short and sweet.
I am glad that I wrote this letter and again, I STRONGLY OPPOSE THE GUTHRIE PROJECT.
Sincerely,
Laura E. Grochowski