HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-25 Public Comment - Z. Billings - Deny Application 24606From:Zuie Billings
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Deny Application 24606
Date:Sunday, March 2, 2025 10:26:43 AM
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Hi There -
For a variety of reasons, please deny application 24606. As a young family living near all of
this construction and urbanization, I must admit - this is not what made us want to livedowntown. While I understand that development is inevitable, it is a shame that it seems so at
odds with supporting the existing local environment.
Please do not allow developers to destroy natural features, historic & mature trees that providecarbon shade, vibrancy, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitats for more urbanization.
Finally, I would just reiterate the following notes:
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 (akaBozeman 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 cuttingthem 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 intodevelopment standards.
Criterion 6. Conformance with the community design provisions of article 4, including:
Community design and element provisions (division 38.410) General Standard 38.410.010which 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 canproceed 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 ande. The new development should be sensitive to neighborhood identity, landscaping and
historical character. Design should be in harmony with existing vegetation with an emphasison 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. TheLandscape 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 historiclandscape 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, “Maintainthe character of the streetscape.” On page 10 it states, "Where planting strips between the curb
and sidewalk exist they should be maintained.”
Thank you,