HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-25 Public Comment - J. Shankland - Application 24606From:afloat.91-giggles@icloud.com
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Application 24606
Date:Monday, March 3, 2025 11:03:56 AM
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Dear Community Development Director,
I am writing as a longtime resident of this neighborhood to strongly oppose Home Base Partners’ modification
request (Application 24606) that threatens the removal of the mature boulevard trees along W. Lamme. This
proposal not only disregards the previously approved Master Site Plan (MSP) and Tree Preservation Plan but also
undermines the integrity of our city’s development standards and environmental policies.
These trees are not mere landscaping—they are public assets that provide critical benefits to our community,
including shade, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and preservation of Bozeman’s character. The original MSP
ensured their protection, and the developer should not be allowed to override this commitment purely for profit.
Furthermore, the requested change violates multiple provisions of Bozeman’s Municipal Code:
• BMC 38.230.100 (Plan Review Criteria): This modification contradicts the Bozeman Community Plan 2020,
particularly EPO-2 and EPO3.9, which emphasize responsiveness to natural features and integration of climate
change considerations in development.
• BMC 38.410.010 (Community Design Standards): Development should preserve existing trees whenever feasible,
and it is entirely feasible to proceed with the originally approved plan while retaining these trees.
• Historic Preservation Guidelines: These trees contribute to the historical landscape of our neighborhood, and city
policy explicitly states that mature trees should be preserved.
Allowing this modification would set a dangerous precedent where developers can disregard city-approved plans
and eliminate vital community resources for the sake of profit. The developer was aware of these trees when the
initial plan was approved, and they should be required to honor that agreement.
I urge you to deny Application 24606 and uphold the city’s commitment to responsible, community-centered
development.
Sincerely,
John Shankland
314 N. Grand Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715