HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-16 Public Comment - E. Anselmi - Golden GateGolden Gate Condominium Project # 15531
Bozeman City Commission
Dear Madam and Sirs,
I am writing to you to express serious concerns about the Golden Gate Condominium project as
it is currently planned. Please let me start by saying that I am not opposed to high density when
done correctly.
I have lived in Bozeman for 27 years. When I purchased my home on Alpha Dr in Feb of 2014, I
was aware of the R4 lot within the development. I looked at the zoning map for the development
and looked at how the subdivision was so far developed until that time.
The original subdivision plat was approved by the city (2007) with the obvious planned intent of
being a “buffer” between the large R4 lot on the north (lot 11), and the single family lots (R1) to
the south of the development with a buffer of R3 and R2 zones as transitions between the two. I
also looked at the original calculations for density in the R4 designated lot and the estimated
density used for calculations. The City Planning used estimated densities of 12-14 units per acre
for that specific lot.
The block of lots directly to the south of the planned condominium project are zoned R3. There
were two larger lots planned for multiple family homes on the south side of Golden Gate, that
were later re-platted (2012) and divided into 6 smaller lots. There are now 4 single family homes
in that specific section, with 2 additional single family homes at the west end of Golden Gate
Ave.
As stated above, for one reason or another, the development has grown into a single family
residential development in spite of the higher density zoning allowed in the two blocks south of
the R4 lot. There are 2 duplex homes in Loyal Gardens (corner lots) but they both have the look
and feel of a single family home.
The Golden Gate Condominiums is currently planned as an 84 unit, 5 large 3-Story buildings in
a 3.7 acre lot. Building heights are approx 40 feet. That works out to 23 units per acre. This is
much higher unit density than the original “estimated” density planned by City Planning at the
original plat approval of 12-14 units/acre. As the development has been submitted, there is NO
“buffer” or “transition” from one and two story single-family homes on the south side of Golden
Gate, directly across from two large 12-unit 40” tall buildings across the street, and NO “buffer”
or “transition” from single story, single family homes on RSL lots on Advance Dr directly due
west of an 18-unit 40” 3-story tall buildings. There just isn’t any “transition” or “buffer” planned
or designed to try to blend the character of the development with the character and architecture
of the homes directly surrounding the condominium project, or the overall neighborhood. This
development has the feel of a design “being Forced” into the lot, rather than developing the
structures and layout to fit the lot and surroundings.
The current design, architecture and layout does not even come close to fitting within the Loyal
Garden neighborhood character or architecture. Homes in the subdivision have multiple colors,
architectural details, setback, covered porches, etc.
A simple design change to the two 12-unit buildings with frontage on Golden Gate, along with
the large 18 unit building on the west side backing to Advance Ave to present either a “row
house” or “townhome” design, with 2 stories (lower height) would provide a simple transition or
buffer to the larger units on the back (north side) and east side of the development. There are no
homes at all on the east side of the condominium development. An addition of color differences
between the units themselves would further add a “break” and would allow for more blending or
transition of the structures with existing homes in the two streets.
The other major concern has to do with parking. Currently, the development has parking
included for the 84 units with interior parking, along with 8 parking spots on Golden Gate Ave
itself. There is NO allowance of parking for guest or visitors within the development, pushing
guest/visitor parking for 84 units onto neighborhood streets. This creates a significant health and
safety hazard due to street size. When there are vehicles parked on both sides of Golden Gate or
Advance, it is a one-way only street. This present a significant risk hazard and limited access for
emergency vehicles not only for the tenants it the condominium development, but also for the
homeowners in the area. A “No Parking” restriction should be added along the north side curb of
Golden Gate Ave to limit possible safety or risk hazards, along with requesting room for
assigned guest/visitor parking within the condominium development
I would like to thank you all for time to consider the impact of this specific development and
request that you take control and final decision making on this development to ameliorate the
considerable impact not only to the single family neighborhood character, but the safety and
quiet living in the neighborhood. Minor changes (lower height and home-like design) to the
buildings fronting Golden Gate and backing into the homes on Advance Street can make a
significant difference on the feel and fit of the development within the greater Loyal Gardens
development while still allowing for high density and affordable housing.
Sincerely yours,
Eli Anselmi
4839 Alpha Dr
Bozeman MT
Eli.anselmi@gmail.com
Mobile: +1.406.581.1503