HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-23 Public Comment - L. Semones - attention Community Development Board MembersFrom:Linda Semones
To:Agenda; Linda Semones
Subject:attention Community Development Board Members
Date:Tuesday, January 17, 2023 10:39:44 AM
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December 31, 2022
Dear Members of the Community Development Board,
I am writing in support of the Zone Text Amendment that reinstates fraternities and sororities as
an authorized use only in residential zoning districts R5, RO and conditionally in R3. The fraternity
that has leased the single family 4 bedroom home at 411 West Garfield Street has, with the events
held on the property, raised concerns about the use of the home. I understand that 6 members
actually live in the residence. The fact that 6 young men would live in a 4 bedroom home is not an
issue. The issue is that the home is being used as an event venue.
Event venues typically invite large groups of people to enjoy music, alcohol and private social
gatherings on their property. For example, The Elm on N. 7th. Of course, the Elm is a much larger
event venue but the activities on the property are the same; bands, social drinking, private parties,
and other activities that invite revelers to enjoy themselves in large groups. There is nothing wrong
with these activities if they are enjoyed in an appropriately zoned area.
As you may be aware, the Elm is located in close proximity to Whittier Elementary School. The
school has had to lock its playground after hours due to the beer cans, drug paraphernalia and trash
that was left in the area after various events. There is also concern in the neighborhood about loud
noise very late into the night and lack of parking on local streets when an event takes place.
However, the zoning for this large event venue is B-2M, community business district, mixed,
according to the city zoning map. This would seem to be an appropriate use of the zone.
Unfortunately, although much smaller, 411 West Garfield is being used as an event venue, and the
neighbors in this residential area are expressing the same concerns. When meetings, events and
parties take place at the residence, there is loud noise, insufficient parking and litter. Events take
place in the front and back yard. Often the events include alcohol. When there is a meeting event
at a fraternity house, the small number of 6 residents can swell to closer to 50 member attendees,
or in the case of a party even more with all the fraternity members and their invited guests. The
event venue is not an appropriate use of an R1, R2 or R3 district. This use does not follow current
city code related to appropriate activities in these residential zoning areas.
The current situation could easily occur in other residential neighborhoods if a fraternity continues
to be listed as group living, and not considered as an event venue. I understand that there are
several fraternities searching for facilities in Bozeman at this time.
Please understand that there is nothing wrong with 6 young men living in a 4 bedroom single family
residence. We need rentals to house workers, families and college students. There is a housing
shortage. However, the current situation has nothing to do with accepting denser housing
arrangements for multi-family units or even for apartment or roommate style living. The crux of the
problem is that event venues do not belong in residential areas.
Thank you for your time in considering this Zone Text Amendment. Your willingness to take on the
difficult task of making the best decisions for the city and its residents leaves me in awe.
Sincerely,
Linda Semones 404 S Church Ave Bozeman MT 5971 lindasemones@hotmail.com