HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-31-25 Public Comment - D. Strahn - Public Comment on Guthrie 2 Project (Planning Application number 24493)From:Derek Strahn
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment on Guthrie 2 Project (Planning Application number 24493)
Date:Monday, March 31, 2025 7:31:08 AM
Attachments:Guthrie 2 Letter.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Please see attached:
March 30, 2025
Attn: City Commission
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
Dear City Commission:
As former City Historic Preservation ODicer and a resident of Bozeman’s historic core since 1976, I
am writing to express my concerns about the recent administrative approval of the Guthrie 2 project
(Planning Application number 24493).
Make no mistake, I am someone who believes that developing truly affordable housing in
Bozeman’s historic core is critically important. In this case, what concerns me, is that the Guthrie
2 developers are claiming affordability, but it exists in name only. According to some estimates, a
one-bedroom, apartment with no kitchen and less than 450 square feet would cost $1,745 a month
in the Guthrie 2. Common sense should tell us that to call such living space “affordable” is
inaccurate and intentionally misleading.
As someone who has reviewed literally hundreds of development proposals within Bozeman’s
Conservation District, I respectfully ask the City Commission: Is it possible that the “aDordable”
label is simply being floated in the case of the Guthrie 2 to sidestep the goals, objectives, and
requirements of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD)? According to section
38.340.010 of Bozeman’s Municipal Code, the intent and purpose of the NCOD is to “stimulate the
restoration and rehabilitation of structures, and all other elements contributing to the character and
fabric of established residential neighborhoods . . . New construction will be invited and
encouraged provided primary emphasis is given to the preservation of existing buildings and further
provided the design of such new space enhances and contributes to the aesthetic character and
function of the property and the surrounding neighborhood or area.” Given that the existing
structure on the site of the proposed Guthrie 2 is designated “eligible/contributing” to a potential
historic district within the NCOD, the Municipal Code also requires that its demolition be carefully
scrutinized by criteria defined in section 38.340.080. Sadly, the historic significance of the existing
structure and the overall architectural compatibility of the revised Guthrie 2 project have been
largely ignored in the name of something few local residents consider “affordable.”
Bozeman’s affordable housing and historic preservation goals are not mutually exclusive. One
need not be sacrificed for the other. At this critical juncture in our developmental history, the city
must pursue win-win solutions that simultaneously advance its historic preservation and
affordable housing goals. Only in this way can our community continue to live up to its inspiring
slogan, “The Most Livable Place.”
Sincerely,
B. Derek Strahn
412 West Harrison Street
Bozeman, MT 59715