HomeMy WebLinkAboutA4 ETA CHAPTER
Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Corporation
�- Alpha Gamma Rho Educational Foundation
Michael J. Nissly, Treasurer
y P.O. Box 606
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
Phone: 641-648-4285 (w)
'-� Cell: 515-689-3412
-F-�- Email: mn@nisslyandnissly.com
1. VARIANCE STANDARDS
(a) The granting of the variance shall not be contrary to the public interest.
There will be no public harm done by granting this variance. There is no threat to other
property owners or persons as the realignment of"Rho', our semi-circular parking lot,
will only slightly alter the existing parking. There will be no devaluation due to the
granting of this variance as there are no adjoining properties that will be impacted. The
proposed realignment will be consistent in form and shape with the existing parking.
(b) That without granting of the variance, and due to special conditions, a literal
enforcement of the ordinance will result in unnecessary hardship. Unnecessary
hardship exists when:
(i) The land in question cannot yield a reasonable return if used only for a
purpose allowed in the zone:
The principal permitted use of the property and the area surrounding is Greek
housing, which will yield a reasonable return if the residence remains at or near
capacity. With the current zoning code requirement of one parking space for every 3
residents require that we have 28 parking spaces for our 84 residents. With the
proposed changes to Rho and restriping our back lot parking we will have 8 parking
spaces on Rho and 20 spaces in the back lot. Without the variance we would lose 8
parking spots and subsequently capacity for 24 men. Dropping house capacity to 60
men would require an increase in house bills to a point where the fraternity would be
pricing themselves out of the housing market. Currently our house bills are $3,200
per semester for each resident. Dropping capacity to 60 would increase the house
bills to nearly $4,500 per semester. With attendance at Iowa State growing and the
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences marking record numbers, quality, affordable
housing for Ag majors is important.
(ii) The plight of the owners is due to unique circumstances and not to the
general conditions of the neighborhood:
The lot on which the present building sits is unique in that it doesn't have a defined
front yard and side yard. It is like we have one very big front yard which is
unavailable for compliant parking. The one side of our house on which we are
allowed parking is completely utilized. Therefore, loss of the spaces on Rho for
expansion of the house cannot be recovered anywhere on the site.
iii The use to be authorized by the variance will not alter the essential character
of the locality.
The surrounding area is Greek housing and University housing. The proposed
realignment of Rho will not impact the locality. Rho has been in existence as a
parking location since our house was expanded in the early 1960's and is now
considered an essential element to the neighborhood
(c) The spirit of the ordinance shall be observed even when the variance is granted.
The realignment of Rho will retain 8 parking spaces as compared to the current
number of 9, thus there are no significant changes being proposed in the realignment.
Continuation of the current parking arrangement of the owner is within the spirit of
the Historic District which seeks to maintain the ambiance of the owner's property.
Rho was constructed back in the early 1960's and has been providing parking spaces
for over 50 years. The variance will allow continuation of this existing facility.
(d) Substantial justice shall be done as a result of granting the variance.
Competition in University housing is ever increasing, as evidenced by the new 700
bed facility being built just north of this location by Iowa State, and the brand new
Delta Tau Delta house constructed to our immediate west. In an attempt to maintain
an attractive and viable living option for members of the Alpha Gamma Rho
Fraternity it was determined that additional space was needed. As a result of adding
dining space to our first floor Rho was realigned. Granting this variance will allow us
to maintain occupancy of 84 men. This will allow Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity to be
a viable housing option for men majoring in Agricultural majors.