HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-26 Public Comment - J. Gildea - Application #25667 , CCOA Demo, 321 N.5th Ave.From:Jessica
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Application #25667 , CCOA Demo, 321 N.5th Ave.
Date:Thursday, March 5, 2026 10:39:22 PM
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There is currently an active application (#25667) for a Commercial Certificate of Appropriateness for 321
N. 5th Ave requesting approval to demolish the now-neglected former rehabilitation center. However, the
application also seeks approval to remove several mature trees and regrade the property in preparation
for subsequent development. It is this latter request that the Bozeman Tree Coalition (BTC) strongly
opposes and recently submitted public comment to the City regarding (see attached letter, public notice,
and photo below).
The proposed “subsequent development” is the Guthrie 2 project, which was previously approved by theCity but is now the subject of an ongoing lawsuit seeking to overturn that decision. If the court rules infavor of the lawsuit, it is BTC’s understanding that the Guthrie 2 site plan—including approval for theremoval of mature trees—would no longer be valid. For this reason, BTC believes it would be prematureto allow the removal of mature trees or disturbance of the land until the legal process is resolved.
This property lies within the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD), and therefore the
NCOD Design Policy and Guidelines apply. These guidelines call for preserving and maintaining mature
trees and significant vegetation within corridors, with special consideration given to trees 6 inches or
greater in diameter. The trees on this property meet that criteria and should remain protected until the
lawsuit concerning the development is settled.
I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts regarding the proposed removal of these mature spruce
trees and others on the property. Trees offer tremendous value to our community. They provide beauty,
shade, oxygen, wildlife habitat, and help absorb carbon dioxide while increasing property values. It is
unfortunate that members of the public must now step forward to speak on behalf of these living assets
and advocate for their protection.
In difficult times when so many issues in our world feel beyond our control, protecting something as
fundamental as our urban tree canopy feels both necessary and meaningful. At the local level, I hope my
voice—and the voices of others—can help ensure that these trees are not removed prematurely.
If we continue down a path of removing mature trees for development before proper review andresolution, Bozeman risks losing the character that has long defined it. Our designation as a Tree Cityand the beauty of our neighborhoods depend on thoughtful stewardship. Please help protect these treesand do your part to keep Bozeman the community we all value.
Jessica Gildea
Swim Instructor | Yoga Teacher
makinwaveswithjes.com
717.575.5337