Bozeman preservation board presses for landmark program, staffing and demolition review triggers

The Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board on Jan. 15 reviewed priorities for a proposed local landmark program, urged the city to fund a dedicated preservation staff position and pressed for early notification and advisory review — particularly for demolition proposals affecting identified historic resources.

Board members opened a lengthy discussion around four directives that will shape the local landmark program: (1) the city’s local preservation program, (2) integrating preservation into local, state and federal planning, (3) identifying and evaluating resources, and (4) public education. The meeting included neighborhood comments about the Guthrie redevelopment application and a public call for the board to be pulled into related reviews earlier.

The discussion matters because the city is drafting a local landmark program (phase 1) and expects a code amendment phase (phase 2). Board members said early involvement on planning and policy changes — including the Unified Development Code update and the city’s forthcoming affordable housing ordinance — is essential to protect historic resources and to preserve community knowledge about buildings that are at risk from redevelopment.

Multiple members argued the board should…