HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-25 Public Comment - K. Somerby - Deny Application 24606From:Katherine Somerby
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Deny Application 24606
Date:Sunday, March 2, 2025 12:56:33 PM
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Hi,
Allowing the demolition of the public boulevard trees would not be in keeping
with Bozeman Municipal Code (BMC) Section 38.230.100 Plan Review Criteria:
Criterion 1. Conformance to and consistency with the City’s adopted growth
policy (aka Bozeman Community Plan 2020) - specifically goal EPO-
2 because this development would not be responsive to natural features - ie
the existing mature trees and EPO3.9 because cutting them down would be in
direct conflict with the City’s climate goal to reduce carbon emissions into the
atmosphere. Our City is supposed to integrate climate change considerations
into development standards.
Criterion 6. Conformance with the community design provisions of article 4,
including: Community design and element provisions (division 38.410)
General Standard 38.410.010 which states that the design and development
of all land uses must, to the extent possible, preserve trees. It is possible to
deny this modification application because the developer can proceed with
the originally approved design. There are examples of infill development
projects that successfully protect existing trees during construction.
Criterion 7. Conformance with the project design provisions of article 5,
including: 7a,c, d and e. The new development should be sensitive to
neighborhood identity, landscaping and historical character. Design should be
in harmony with existing vegetation with an emphasis on preserving existing
vegetation.
Division 38.110. Adopted Plans, Standards and Resolutions In the Bozeman
Guidelines for Historic Preservation and Neighborhood Conservation Overlay
District Ch 2 and Ch 4B. The Landscape Design Policy states "Some of these
plantings may have historic significance and should be retained to the extent
feasible. Mature trees may also contribute to the historic
landscape and should be preserved.” It says special attention should be paid
to trees 6 inches in diameter or greater and these all meet that criteria. The
Streetscape Policy states, “Maintain the character of the streetscape.” On
page 10 it states, "Where planting strips between the curb and sidewalk exist
they should be maintained.”
Best,Katherine Somerby