HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-16-25 Public Comment - A. Hoitsma - Resolution 5663 and Application 24-107_ _Bozeman Yards_From:aok@mcn.net
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Resolution 5663 and Application 24-107: "Bozeman Yards"
Date:Wednesday, July 16, 2025 2:52:55 PM
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Honorable Mayor Cunningham, Deputy Mayor Morrison, and Commissioners Bode, Fischer,
and Madgic:
I regret that I did not speak last night to the consent agenda item relating to the BozemanYards project. I know it was a "pro-forma" item, requesting approval for clerical errors made
in the contract regarding the $3.66 million in TIF funding previously approved by theCommission on a 3-2 vote.
That said, I wish I had taken the opportunity to reiterate what a terrible project this is, and how
much it will negatively impact the character of our beloved northeast neighborhood.
Every website advertising this project goes on and on about how "high-end" these "luxuryunits" will be, comparing them to the Ritz Carlton and the Four Seasons:
https://bozemanyards.com
https://www.alekcarreragroup.com/bozeman (this one shows THREE BUILDINGS, whichdefies the project narrative filed with the city)
https://bozemanrealestate.group/blog/bozeman-yards-projecthttps://woodlockcapital.com/bozeman-yards
I request that you reconsider your vote approving the TIF funding for this project. Given you
recently approved reconsideration of the vote taken by the Commission regarding theBoutique Hotel downtown, it is not without precedent. I believe the request would have to be
made by a Commissioner on the prevailing side: Mayor Cunningham? Commissioner Bode?Commissioner Fischer? Some time has passed since that vote, and perhaps you would like the
opportunity to change your mind or re-open the discussion?
The TIF money will be used for infrastructure improvements that primarily benefit thedevelopment itself, not the neighborhood. There was discussion at the Commission meetings
that somehow these improvements might make it possible for the historic railroad depot to berevitalized one day. This was a red herring and should never have been part of the discussion
or justification for the TIF subsidy to this development.
A development that touts "unmatched amenities" that is "raising the bar for high-end urbanliving in Montana" "at a time of exceptional demand in Bozeman’s supply-constrained condo
market, where population growth outpaces the national average and high-end unitsconsistently sell out" should not need a subsidy to build the infrastructure required by the City
in order to build this project.
Please reconsider that vote.
With my very best,
Amy Kelley Hoitsma706 E. Peach St.