HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-15 Strahn Public Comment Koch April 10, 2015
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners:
As former City Historic Preservation Officer and a resident of Bozeman's historic south side, I am
writing to express great concern and frustration about the recent demolition of the historic residence
at 402 West Koch Street. A quick Google Earth search reveals that this building was clearly historically
significant—a contributing element in Bozeman's nationally-recognized Cooper Park Historic District.
And yet,the property owner has proceeded with demolition in apparent violation of several
provisions outlined in Section 38.16.080 of the Bozeman Municipal Code. According to my reading of
this provision,both a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and a public notice period is required if the
principal structure is historically significant. Moreover,the subsequent development of the parcel
must be approved prior to approval of the COA. In fact,the Municipal Code prohibits the issuance of a
demolition permit for any structure,regardless of historic significance,prior to issuance of a building
permit for the subsequent development.
That the property owner tools this (and possibly other dramatic actions) on this highly visible corner
lot,with little regard for city ordinances or the historic integrity of this beloved neighborhood,is
reprehensible. It demands a serious investigation and subsequent action by the City of Bozeman. In
my nine years reviewing historic projects within the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, I
can never remember someone taking such a bold and reckless action.
Even more disconcerting,is the apparent fact that the City's Historic Preservation Planner—the
person most responsible for protecting our cherished historic resources—allegedly gave verbal
approval for such action after the fact. According to Bozeman's Design Guidelines for Historic
Preservation and the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, "A primary design goal for
Bozeman is to preserve the integrity of its individual historic structures and the character of its
streetscapes in the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District." Clearly this goal has not been met in
this (and arguably many other instances) over the last several years.
There was a time,not that long ago,when Bozeman's historic preservation program was considered
one of the most innovative and admirable programs in the United States. Planning journals and
presentations at national conferences praised our town for its design review program and deep
commitment to one of our community's greatest character-defining features and selling points.
As we enter another dramatic real estate boom, it is absolutely critical that the City take matters such
as this seriously. Someone (and perhaps several people) need to be held accountable for the recent
inappropriate developments at 402 West Koch Street.Turning a blind eye to this very unfortunate
situation, or dolling out a mere slap on the wrist,will set a dangerous precedent and may embolden
others to take similar or even more significant actions to destroy our Bozeman's cultural heritage,
attractiveness,and livability.
Sincerely,
B.Derek Strahn,
Former Historic Preservation Officer
412 West Harrison Street
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-587-0254
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE
OF
APPROPRIATENESS
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
402 WEST KOCH STREET,
WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT,
AND IS THE REAL PROPERTY OF
BRIAN AND ANNE MARTIN,
HAVING BEEN SUBJECT TO CITY COMMISSION REVIEW FOR ALTERATIONS
CONSISTING OF: THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITION AND A NEW
ACCESSORY GARAGE, AND HAVING BEEN FOUND TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE
CHARACTER AND FABRIC OF THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOOD OR AREA AS
SET FORTH IN SECTION 38.16, "NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION OVERLAY
DISTRICT", OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE, IS
HEREBY AWARDED THIS CERTIFICATE ON THIS
15"'-' DAY OF APRIL 2014.
.. �SIGNED
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
** BUILDING PERMITS (INCLUDING ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING) MUST
BE OBTAINED FROM THE CITY BUILDING DIVISION.
YY THIS NOTICE SHALL BE POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE (SUCH AS A
WINDOW, WALL, OR FENCE) EASILY VIEWED FROM THE STREET AT
ALL TIMES, FROM BEGINNING THROUGH COMPLETION OF THIS
APPROVED APPLICATION Z14060.