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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-19-2026 Public Comment - L. Hibbs - demolition code From: Lindsay Hibbs To: Bozeman Public Comment; Bozeman Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL]demolition code Date: Wednesday,August 19,2026 6:59:53 PM Attachments: 622 S 8th.docx 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 forward this to the City Commission, the Community Development Department and the Historic Preservation Board. Thank you, Lindsay Hibbs August 19, 2026 To: City Commission, Community Development Department, and Historic Preservation Advisory Board From: Lindsay Hibbs Re:Application#26310 1 am writing to you regarding the proposed demolition and development review application#26310 for 622 South 8th Ave. This application will demolish a currently affordable rental that has been successfully rented by young couples,families with small children and single working adults since before I moved here 15 years ago. There is no historic survey on this property. However, it is plain to see that this classic Victorian structure is critical to the historical significance of the Cooper Park Historic District and matches similar early century houses that line multiple blocks of South 8th, ref: 201, 419, and 616 as very similar examples. The current structure was built in 1920 and is a historic home with Victorian details, roof lines and a wrap-around front porch. There are three mature Ash trees on the property,two of which line historical South 81h Avenue and additional mature trees on the south and east side of the house. The status of this property as "uncategorized," and the lack of survey on this structure should not be used as a loop hole in our current demolition code. In fact, I would argue that updated architectural inventory surveys should be required of any application for any COA, regardless of historical relevance. The City Commission,the Community Development Department and the Historic Preservation Board have an obligation to preserve all homes in Bozeman, not just the huge mansions on Wilson Avenue. The development review application for 622 S 8th also does not state a building height. I believe the design and aesthetics should match the look and feel of the historic neighborhood, particularly the roof's pitch and the roof of the proposed ADUs. This needs to be included in the plan and available to the public. There is no evidence than any effort has been made to find alternatives to demolition of this structure. The current development review application proposes "demo existing house; split lot into parcels, and construct townhomes with detached garage and ADU above." Has any effort or attempt been made to re-use the current structure, move it, or construct a new structure on only one of the proposed split lots and leave the historic home on the other?We as a community should require the HPAB be consulted for a recommendation on whether the Community Development Department should approve the demolition request. This application and proposal for demolition clearly does not conform to the Overlay District Standards (Sec 38.340). In addition to the proposed demolition of the structure at 622 South 8th Ave,the loss of mature trees directly goes against combating the urban heat island effect that is exacerbated all over Bozeman with newer and higher density development. The average canopy coverage for the state of Montana is 16%, which is considerably behind the national urban tree canopy average of 27%. For reference,towns similar in size and climate to Bozeman have much greater canopy coverage ex: Missoula, MT 15%, Boulder, CO 22%, Flagstaff,AZ 26%and Durango 27%. Bozeman is far behind at 10%. Every development application should be required to include a landscape component and the Community Development Department and the Historic Preservation Advisory Board should be advocating preserving old growth trees as much as historic structures to contribute to the integrity and health of our communities for the future. The rapid growth and destruction of historic buildings and trees square foot by square foot is short- sighted and will hopefully be slowed down and re-evaluated before Bozeman as we know is gone. As individuals in this community we do not have a say in development policy, besides electing local officials and communicating with them. It is your job to hear us and represent us. It is your job to preserve our historic buildings, green spaces, urban canopy and charm and beauty of this community. It is understandable that growth naturally occurs. It is possible to preserve and build at the same time, but this development is not an example of that. It does nothing to add to the character of the neighborhood or provide the type of housing that you so claim is needed in Bozeman. The demolition of this house and the proposed development are not in line with the current Overlay District requirement. During the time our code is being revised, a local Landmark Program is being developed, and without a current Historic Preservation Planner, demolition and development within historical Bozeman should be paused. It is my hope that updates to the new code will do more to protect our historic neighborhoods. Please do not approve this proposal for demolition and development. Thank you for your consideration. Lindsay Hibbs 621 South 71"Ave