HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-25 Public Comment - B. Churchill - URGENT_ Possible New_Relocating Fraternity in R1 Single Family HomeFrom:Barton Churchill
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]URGENT: Possible New/Relocating Fraternity in R1 Single Family Home
Date:Tuesday, September 30, 2025 9:19:01 PM
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Commissioner,
Sunday, Sept. 28 my next door neighbor informed me of his intention to turn his newly
purchased home at 1109 South Willson Avenue into a fraternity property in an effort tobypass zoning laws that limit the number of residents and use of this property. My neighbor
moved to Bozeman from out of State less than 60 days ago, has no prior residence in the stateof Montana, and within weeks of arrival has declared his intent to develop this single family
house into something very different from what it was built and zoned to be decades ago.
I have spoken with our immediate neighbors about this situation. I, (we) are very concernedwith the increase in noise, impact on parking, and public safety concerns inherent when large
groups (potentially tens) of unrelated people either move into or utilize a small single familyhome as a social venue.
My adjacent home has been my primary and only residence for nearly 22 years. I
have invested substantially in my property and this community during this time based on theresidential R1 designation of this neighborhood. I am concerned my investment will be
diminished both in rental and resale value if located next to a fraternity or sorority as opposedto the single family rental 1109 has been for all of these 22 years.
I, like many of my neighbors, was shocked to learn of a "loophole" to our zoning laws that
enabled a fraternity with over 50 members (and countless guests) to change a single familyhome on Garfield to a large group home recently. I don't understand how this happened
without neighborhood input or notice.
Presently the City is working to revise the UDC. I understand this issue is being activelydebated and neighborhood associations are preparing to submit input. I implore you to pause
any approvals for new or relocated fraternities/sororities into R1/R2 zones or single familyhomes until adoption of this updated UDC. If not there may be multiple applications at the last
minute to avoid our zoning laws and cause duress to existing residents.
Sincerely,
Barton Churchill1111 South Willson Avenue
406.589.4493