HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-25 Public Comment - M. Sweeney - study commission commentsFrom:Michael Sweeney
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]study commission comments
Date:Thursday, April 3, 2025 12:47:28 PM
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Hello, Regarding the city of Bozeman governance: The current Guthie development issue has
brought to the forefront a lack of representation of Bozeman residence. The city planning
department initially approved a 4 story high density (91 units) building in a primarily single-
story single-family unit area protected by a 1991 code document known as the Neighborhood
Overlay Conservation District. A more recent designation known as R5 (Residential 5)has been
used to usurp the preexisting and still in force NOCD. Due to public outcry (They even hired a
lawyer at their own expense) the final decision by the City Commission to approve the project
has been postponed to two weeks. If the affected neiborhood had had an opportunity review
the proposal before submission this project would never have been approve because the local
residence are very opposed to the development and it is in violation of the NOCD guidelines.
This situation makes it apparent that local residents of the city are not included in major
decision that effect their lives. My request is that you build a governance for the city that
allows for more inclusion and participation of its citizens.
Thank you,
Michael Sweeney, Fifth Generation Gallatin Valley Resident.