HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-14-15 Schontzler Input needed on Neighborhood Conservation Overlay DistrictFrom:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Tues Aug 18 - Input needed on Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District
Date:Friday, August 14, 2015 5:48:18 PM
Chris MehlBozeman City Commissioncmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: Gail Schontzler [gails@dailychronicle.com]Sent: Friday, August 14, 2015 5:35 PMTo: Taylor HansenCc: Courtney Kramer; Carson Taylor; Chris MehlSubject: Re: Tues Aug 18 - Input needed on Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District
Hi, Taylor and Courtney,I'm not sure I can make it to the meeting Tuesday night, so I wanted to write up my concerns.We live on Grand Avenue, one block south of the Bon Ton historic district.I feel we have all of the costs of being in a historic district, with none of the protections.When we updated our windows, we had to pay for a certificate of appropriateness to show we fit inwith the neighborhood.But when my neighbor decided to demolish his house at Grand and Garfield, and put up a modern boxwith slanting roof instead of something that would fit into the rest of the neighborhood's bungalowswith pitched roofs, the city gave him a green light, despite objections raised by people at the CityCommission meeting.I'm upset that the City Commission and staff seem to have quietly abandoned the idea of protecting thecharacter of Bozeman's older neighborhoods, in its quest for greater density. The city has been approving ugly and oversized houses — examples include the new house in the 1100block of South Willson Ave., which looms over its neighbors, and the large renovation shoe-horned intothe recently split lot at College Street and South Sixth, which now dwarfs its neighbors. Not quiteMcMansions but heading that direction.The city staff then uses such eyesores to justify the next eyesore.I realize there has to be some room for innovation and individuality. But I'd like the city to protect thecharacter of the older neighborhoods, which are one of the very things that make Bozeman a livablecity, an attractive city to people moving here. Please don't destroy that.I'd like to see our University neighborhood become a historic neighborhood, on the assumption therewould be fewer eyesores and ugly boxes going in, built with all the charm of storage units.
Sincerely,Gail Schontzler1115 S. Grand Ave.Bozeman, MT 59715kmccafferty@bresnan.net
From: Taylor Hansen <unabzn@gmail.com<mailto:unabzn@gmail.com>>Date: Friday, August 14, 2015 1:46 PMTo: Steve&Kathy Griswold-Powell <powellgriz@icloud.com<mailto:powellgriz@icloud.com>>Cc: Elizabeth Healy <unabzn@gmail.com<mailto:unabzn@gmail.com>>Subject: Tues Aug 18 - Input needed on Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District
Hello Neighbors
Next Tuesday, August 18, you have the opportunity to offer your input and recommendations about theNeighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) which is currently under review by the City.The NCOD includes much of the University Neighbors Association area.
Courtney Kramer, the City's Historic Preservation Officer, was encouraged by the InterNeighborhood
Council (INC) to get input from various neighborhoods because their needs and characteristics are oftendifferent. I represent UNA on INC.
You should have received a green postcard recently in the mail inviting you to attend the meeting. Please RSVP to Courtney Kramer letting her know the number of people from your household that willbe attending.
Tuesday, August 18Story Mansion5:30 pm - bring a picnic dinner & blanket to eat on the lawn6:30 pm - feedback session
RSVP to Courtney at: ckramer@bozeman.net<mailto:ckramer@bozeman.net> -- or -- 406-582-2289
What is the NCOD? Established in 1991, it is an overlay of current zoning that was developed toconserve existing neighborhood character, preserve historic properties & provide public notice toneighbors when building changes are proposed. Most design or materials changes to the outside ofbuildings require the owner to apply and receive approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) priorto getting a Building Permit.
More info about the NCOD can be found in the links below.
* What is a Conservation Overlay District?” https://www.bozeman.net/Departments/Community-Development/Historic-Preservation/How-To-s-FAQ-s/What-is-the-Neighborhood-Conservation-Overlay-
Dist
* City Municipal Code Article 16 for NCOD https://www.municode.com/library/mt/bozeman/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH38UNDECO_ART16NECOOVDI
* “How do I know if I need a COA?” http://www.bozeman.net/Departments/Community-Development/Historic-Preservation/How-To-s-FAQ-s/How-do-I-know-if-I-need-a-Certificate-of-
Appropria
Hope to see you on Tues evening at Story Mansion. Your input is important!
Kathy