HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-13-16 Public Comment - P. Sveinson - Golden GateMy name is Pam Sveinson and I live at 858 Advance on Lot 7 of the Loyal Garden
Subdivision. The proposed condominium development will be adjacent to my property.
I have several major concerns and suggestions about this development:
1. I sent a separate email about concerns about the plan for storm and water drainage--
which needs to accommodate sprinkler water as well as storm water and needs to take
into account drainage issues that currently exist on the immediately adjacent property
as well as the plans for this development.
2. The design of this project does not fit with the character of the Loyal Garden
subdivision--not as planned and outlined in the Loyal Garden covenants and
Development Manual nor as the subdivision has developed in actuality. From that
manual, which has many descriptions and pictures to depict the feeling the
neighborhood is intended to have:
The purpose of this document is to provide a framework for design and construction that will allow each project to contribute
to the long term goal of creating a neighborhood that compliments and enhances the community. The architectural and
landscape elements of the site design are considered to be integral to the overall desired neighborhood patterns. The rules
and restrictions contained within this document are intended for the protection and enjoyment of all residents of Loyal
Garden
--I urge that the condominium development be required with the strongest possible
conditions to follow the requirements in this development manual, as all current
residents have. This should include a requirement for the designs to be approved by
the Loyal Garden HOA, not just the Loyal Garden Subdivision developer, "for the
protection and enjoyment of all residents of Loyal Garden."
--The design and form/function of high density buildings should blend with the
character that has already developed in the neighborhood. From one management
company's description of this subdivision:
"Loyal Garden has a combination of contemporary architecture and responsible design, both of
which respect the beautiful natural setting in Bozeman, Montana. Set in the shadow of the
Rocky Mountains—just beyond the hustle and bustle of downtown Bozeman—Loyal Garden is
an extraordinary residential community. Situated on an old farmstead with meandering creeks,
towering pines and 360-degree views of the Gallatin Valley, Loyal Garden offers all the appeal
of Montana with the myriad conveniences of in-town living.
From architecturally designed homes that proportionally suit the setting to broad sidewalks
shaded by age-old spruce trees; from expansive parks with unique features developed to excite
kids’ imaginations to elegant commercial spaces, every detail of Loyal Garden was developed to
make life simpler, happier, better."
To go from single family homes fitting the style described above to a 3 story, 18 unit building
with balconies looking into the yards and windows of the adjacent homes and completely
blocking the views of the mountains or valleys (or any view except the multi-family building
itself!!) simply doesn't create a neighborhood that compliments and enhances the community as
it has been envisioned, built-out and sold to current owners. I strongly urge that the
condominium buildings be required to be a design that blends gradually with the current single-
family neighboring homes by being a maximum of 2 stories, be a style that is reflective of single
family residences (such as townhouse style or row houses) with set-backs as required by the
Loyal Garden development standards and provides the feeling of the natural setting away from
hustle/bustle that has been developed in the subdivision so far.
--The design of these condominiums provides very little storage space with no garages and
relatively small units. The current residents in Loyal Garden are required to limit the personal
items that are stored in view of the neighborhood. I am concerned that the balcony areas of these
condos will be used for storage as can be seen in many of the multi-family developments around
Bozeman. It gives a tenement feel to the location and is not at all fitting with the character Loyal
Garden has been diligent about developing. I urge there be a strong covenant that restricts
storage on the balconies or outside the buildings of these condos and ensures that there is storage
for the condo residents that .
--As the many residents voicing safety concerns related to this development have made clear,
the traffic and parking situation that has occurred in the Loyal Garden streets is already
problematic. I join them in asking that there be a comprehensive study of actual traffic on the
affected streets, not just analysis of plans submitted by the developers and older data, before the
final plans and number of units are approved.
Thank you for your consideration of these concerns. Please forward them to the Bozeman
Mayor and Commissioners as well as all Community Development staff involved in this process.
Sincerely,
Pamela Sveinson
858 Advance Dr.
Bozeman, MT 59718
406.640.1198
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