Bozeman Public Library Threatened by Developer
The Bozeman Hotel and Residences Project
The Bozeman Hotel and Residences is a project proposed by Bozeman Hotel MM LLC c/o Left Lane Development, a New York based developer. In addition to a 350,000 square foot Hotel and Residences, the project would include the construction of a parking structure on what is now part of the Bozeman Public Library parking lot. The terms of the proposed construction would significantly impact the library parking lot an and impose restrictions on the use of the library property as a whole.
A Brief Summary of the Developer’s Proposal
Construction of a 7-story structure consisting of townhomes, a resident lobby, a hotel and lobby, meeting rooms, a ballroom, a restaurant, and a roof bar at 606 and 608 E. Main
Due to the massive proposed building essentially occupying this entire property, the developer wants to lease existing Bozeman Public Library parking space to build a “shared” parking structure. The proposed lease would be for 75 years at a rate of $1 per year with an option to renew for a second 75 years at the same rate. The “shared” parking structure would
Include 107 covered spaces for library patrons and 154 spaces for the hotel/townhouse structure users
Allow for the townhouse/hotel users to “use the Library Reserved Spaces on the same terms as such spaces are offered to the general public”
Be controlled by the developer/hotel
Include roof top green space, a community garden area, hardscape and softscape all for the use of hotel/townhouse people but with access for library patrons ONLY allowed during library open hours and when accompanied by a library employee for appropriate programming and events
Provide for an easement for light and air in favor of the Hotel and prohibit the city from building any vertical structures on the Library Property with a height greater than that of existing structures on the Library Property for 75 years (or 150 years if the lease was renewed).
Includes vague references to “credits or subsidies received by the developer from the City for asbestos remediation and “the city providing subsidies for asbestos remediation”.
Proposed Win-Lose Memorandum of Understanding
The terms of an agreement related to the proposed parking structure were presented to the City of Bozeman and Bozeman Public Library in a Memorandum of Understanding. This proposal essentially appears to be a win-lose where an out-of-state developer gains multiple benefits while the city and community of Bozeman give up the use of library property and agree to restrict future Library expansion and development of Library property.
Benefits for the Developer include:
A parking structure for its guests and tenants
An easement for Light and Air for the hotel property
Prohibition of the Library from building any vertical structures on the Library property with a height greater than that of existing structures on the Library Property
Control of the proposed “shared” parking lot and potential charge for library patrons to park
Disadvantages for the Library and Residents of Bozeman include:
Potential financial liability for asbestos remediation on the Library property
Disruption and reduced Library parking during the potential asbestos remediation and parking structure construction
Potential long-term loss of some of the public parking spaces on Library property
Harsh restrictions on future Library expansion and development of Library property
How you can Protest this Proposed Development
Email your concerns before the end of the day Tuesday, November 14th to agenda@bozeman.net, with the subject line, “Library Board of Trustees Meeting on 11/15”, or
Voice your concerns at the Library Board of Trustees meeting which will be held in the first floor Community Room of the Bozeman Public Library on Wednesday, November 15th starting at 4 pm.
For More Information
Bozeman Public Library Foundation Notice, “Proposed development that could affect the Library”
Bozeman Real Easte Group Summary with location and graphics
by Kathy Marcinko and Larry Johnson
Better Bozeman Coalition