HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-25 Public Comment - J. Amsden - Continued Objection to Reconsideration – Application No. 24147 - Boutique HotelFrom:John Amsden
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Continued Objection to Reconsideration – Application No. 24147 - Boutique Hotel
Date:Tuesday, June 24, 2025 11:49:14 AM
Attachments:25-0624 Amsden to City of Bozeman re June 24 2025 Hearing.pdf
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Beck, Amsden &
Stalpes pllc
610 Professional Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718
JOHN L. AMSDEN
PARTNER
Tel: 406-586-8700
Amsden@becklawyers.com
June 24, 2025
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
City of Bozeman
Attn: City Commission and Planning Department
121 N. Rouse Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
comments@bozeman.net
Re: Continued Objection to Reconsideration – Application No. 24147 (Boutique Hotel
Mendenhall)
Dear Mayor and Commissioners:
The Bozeman Hotel Owners’ Association (BHOA) submits this letter to reiterate our
formal opposition to reconsideration of Application No. 24147 concerning the Boutique Hotel
Mendenhall. We respectfully urge the Commission not to reverse its May 20, 2025 decision,
which correctly denied the application because it did not serve the public, Bozeman Creek, or
neighboring stakeholders.
The hearing on this matter lasted for hours. Dozens of concerned residents spoke from a
place of care, experience, and commitment to the long-term viability of downtown Bozeman.
Perhaps the most persuasive voice was that of an established local woman who, with humility
and gravity, reminded the Commission of what it means to be stewards of a living city. Her
comments were a clarion voice for Bozeman’s oldest residents—and her wisdom was heard.
Now, the applicant seeks a second bite at the apple, not because of new information or
materially changed circumstances, but because the original presentation was, in the applicant’s
own words, "rushed." This is not a legal basis for reconsideration. The public invested
significant time and energy preparing comments, attending hearings, and engaging in good
faith. It is not equitable to now ask them to do it all again simply because the applicant regrets
the presentation strategy it chose.
City of Bozeman
June 24, 2025
Page 2
Importantly, the applicant is not without alternatives:
• It may work collaboratively with affected neighbors to mitigate parking conflicts;
• It may redesign the project to respect the Bozeman Creek 35-foot setback as required
under Bozeman Municipal Code § 38.360.030;
• It may submit a compliant shared parking agreement under BMC § 38.540.080;
• Or better yet, it may develop the parcel for badly needed workforce housing, which
the B-3 zone allows and which Bozeman critically needs.
Each of these options is more consistent with the public interest than the present boutique
hotel proposal, which offers no guaranteed public benefit, displaces previously recognized
zoning entitlements, and increases parking and floodplain burdens within the downtown core.
In this light, the BHOA continues to oppose reconsideration and respectfully requests the
Commission to:
1. Deny the request for reconsideration;
2. Uphold the original decision as final and well-supported under the record;
3. Encourage the applicant to pursue one of the lawful, reasonable alternatives available
under the Bozeman Municipal Code.
Thank you for your continued service to our community and for your integrity in adhering to
Bozeman’s long-range planning vision and the rule of law.
.
Sincerely yours,
John L. Amsden