HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-31-22 Public Comment - R. Boyd - Community Development Advisory Board - Comment on Zone Text AmendmentFrom:Ritchie Boyd"s Gmail
To:Agenda
Subject:Community Development Advisory Board - Comment on Zone Text Amendment
Date:Saturday, December 31, 2022 4:22:43 PM
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Dec 31, 2022
Members of the Community Development Advisory Board,
I’m respectfully writing in strong support of the group of Bozeman neighbors who have applied tothe city for a Zone Text Amendment that reinstates fraternities and sororities as an “Authorized Usein Residential Zoning Districts” only in R5, R0, and conditionally in R3.
I live in a family-oriented neighborhood that is currently zoned R1 – It is important to note that this
zoning was petitioned overwhelmingly by the affected neighbors and as a result easily approved by
the planning board and commission many years ago. This petition was in response to the
proliferation of duplex conversions and the resultant traffic, parking issues, and loud parties around
town, including in our affordable neighborhood.
I have a great deal of empathy with those neighbors who are concerned about the proliferation offraternity/sorority houses in residential neighborhoods - In the past two years, no fewer than 4houses on our single block have been purchased by absentee owners who have filled them, somebeyond the city code mandated maximum of 4 unrelated adults, with renters with little stake inmaintaining the quality and character of our neighborhood.I am indeed concerned that it seems a short step to having an overfilled fraternity house in ourfamily oriented neighborhood and all the accompanying difficulties we have tried to avoid by zoning.
It seems clear that, given Bozeman’s recent rate of growth, city staff are overwhelmed with tasks
such as code enforcement, and as such the non-critical items seem to get a low priority. The
additional work, stress, and ongoing tension for all involved (city workers, residents, renters) is real
and should not be understated. Clear and unambiguous residential zoning that reinstates
fraternities/sororities to their original allowed designation seems a simple step to avoid much of this.
Please consider that many Bozeman residents moved to core residential areas so that they can beclose in to downtown and other city amenities, while still enjoying the peace and quiet of a family-oriented neighborhood. Please support the Zone Text Amendment that reinstate fraternities andsororities as an “Authorized Use in Residential Zoning Districts” only in R5, R0, and conditionally inR3.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,J. Ritchie Boyd1416 South Montana Ave.Bozeman
jrboydgm@gmail.com