HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-15-22 Public Comment - J. Loeb - ZTA Request to Reinstate Fraternity_Sorority Houses into UDC _Authorized Uses in Residential Zoning Districts_From:Jeff Loeb
To:Agenda
Subject:ZTA Request to Reinstate Fraternity/Sorority Houses into UDC "Authorized Uses in Residential Zoning Districts"
Date:Thursday, December 15, 2022 12:06:34 PM
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To: Bozeman Community Development Advisory Board & City Commission
From: Jeffrey LoebDate: December 15, 2022
Dear Community Advisory Board and City Commission:
My name is Jeffrey Loeb. I own/reside in a single family home at 1017 S. 4th Ave. in
Bozeman (along with Margaret Beal). I strongly favor the #22270 Fraternity Sorority HousesZone Text Amendment that reinstates fraternities and sororities as an "Authorized Use in
Residential Zoning Districts only in R5, R0 and conditionally in R3". It's my understandingthat you are meeting on this issue in early January and will be forwarding a report to the City
commission shortly thereafter. Please note my comments below:
- It's my understanding the text change which resulted in fraternities and sororities beingmoved to a "Group Living" classification (thereby allowing for them in all residential zones)
was made sometime in 2018 (to the Unified Development Code) but without the knowledge orpublic input of a large number of residents in R1 and R2 (confirmed by over 140 neighbors
who signed a petition to that effect + I'm confident many many more). How can the city dothis? What authorizes them to make changes without notice and input from the public?
- I can only guess that the original intent of not providing for fraternities and sororities in R1
and R2 was very intentional...to preserve the character of these neighborhoods (as supportedand referenced in the Bozeman Growth Policy Community Plan of 2020) and which I favor.
Again, I'm confused. Did the city think that residents of R1 and R2 weren't going to object towhat some may have thought at the time was a minor 2018 text change? This text change has
already had a huge impact on these neighborhoods which will only worsen over time (noise,parking, trash, alcohol use, etc.).
- Getting past city code and ordinance issues for a moment, can someone explain to me why
it's a good idea for a fraternity/sorority to occupy with 50-60 members (as an example) asingle family home for its greek activities? Isn't it common sense that wherever a
greek organization occupies a facility that it be large enough with sufficient facilities toaccommodate and manage its various activities without disrupting the lives of non-greek
neighbors? Again, I think it's common sense.
- Finally, I think what bothers me most is the lack of transparency...what is and what is notallowed for in the City Codes and Ordinances (and what the city will actually enforce).
For example, can I take my 2000 s.f - single family/residential/ 3 bedroom home and lease it
to a fraternity where I can collect rent for 4 occupants and charge additional fees from the 50-60 fraternity members so they can hold parties at my home? Is this what the city really wants
and is this what the Bozeman Growth Policy Community Plan of 2020 envisioned for R1 and
R2? I don't think so.
On the other hand, the city appears to have made text changes without properpublic knowledge and comment which I would deem improper and would challenge a
fraternity's right to exist in R1 or R2 to begin with. Which is it? I think it's a very fairquestion to ask. Please correct me if I'm wrong here as I'm trying very hard to be objective.
Thank you for your consideration and your hard work on behalf of Bozeman residents. It is
appreciated. I strongly favor the #22270 Fraternity Sorority Houses Zone TextAmendment that reinstates fraternities and sororities as an "Authorized Use in Residential
Zoning Districts only in R5, R0 and conditionally in R3". Please do let me know if any of mypoints above are out of line or inaccurate and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions
or comments.
Many thanks.
Jeffrey Loeb314-496-3441