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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA5 ETA CHAPTER Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Corporation Alpha Gamma Rho Educational Foundation Michael J. Nissly, Treasurer .. N.,1:1 HIM � P.O. Box 606 Iowa Falls, IA 50126 �'I IIII ti .. Phone: 641-648-4285 (w) I� Uri '""° Cell: 515-689-3412 , Email: mngnisslyandnissl. January 13, 2016 CITY OF AMES ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Additional Points: For Part (a) • The current parking is established at 9 spaces. This variance and the plan submitted reduces the number to 8 which we believe is lessening the impact by reducing the number of cars. • We are willing to "draw" the parking spaces along the north/west side of Rho as compared to the south/east side which would further lessen the change. (we've never had the parking spaces lined on Rho so to "draw' them now would be a change) • The planned improvements to the fraternity house will cause the curb side view to be enhanced a great deal. • Over a period of approximately 40 years the existence of Rho has become a fixture in the neighborhood and is a part of the aesthetic character. Visually seeing cars parked on Rho is the normal expectations of the public at this time. • Granting the variance will not be contrary to the public interest and therefore does meet the standard of Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1504(4)(a). For Part (b)(i) • We are confused by the staff's comments on this point. Yes, we did receive the variance back in the spring for a variance regarding a 25' set back and shortly after that a site plan was submitted and approved. However, our plans have changed and we do not plan to utilize that approved site plan, so to say that there would be no hardship on expanding the home because we have the other site plan approved does not really apply. • Parking is an important issue for all college area housing. With the current 1 parking spot for 3 residents we are limited in our numbers by the amount of parking spots. With the application we are identifying 28 parking spaces—20 in the back lot and 8 on Rho. Eliminating the 8 spaces on Rho reduces the allowed residents by 24. This would have a very significant impact on the viability of the AGR Fraternity. We discussed this in greater detail in our initial application. • Parking will become even more of an issue with the addition of 700 more bodies when the new dormitory is opened just north of the property. Eliminating 8 spaces may not seem significant, but at times even 1 space seems vital. • Our Fraternity house carries a net assessed value of$1,328,640. The land is assessed at 440 300. Greek Housing is the only use that would support this type of land value thus $ � g Y Pp YP prohibition for front yard parking would preclude a reasonable return and therefore we feel the variance does meet the standard of Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1504(4)(b)(i). For Part(b)(ii) • Once again we are confused by the staff's comments on the previously approved site plan as we feel that old site plan is not relevant. • As stated in our application our lot is unique as it does not have a defined front yard and side yard. There are no other lots of this type in the East University Impacted Area and therefore we argue that this is a unique circumstance and not to the general conditions in the neighborhood, thus the variance does meet the standard of Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1504(4)(b)(ii). For Part (b)(iii) • The character of the local is Greek Housing and University Housing. Parking is always at a premium and expectations are that any parking spot is a good one. • The Rho parking has been accepted by this locality for 40 years. • The requested variance allows the current character of the area to be unchanged. Certainly it will have a different alignment, but the character will not be altered • Therefore since the use to be authorized by the variance will not alter the essential character of the locality we believe the variance does meet the standard of Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1504(4)(b)(iii). For Part (c) • The East University Impacted District seeks to maintain Greek housing opportunities. • When the variance is granted it will help to preserve the Greek residential use of this property. • Because of this the spirit of the ordinance will be observed and the variance for front yard parking does meet the standard of Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1504(4)(c). For Part (d) • Denying the variance will limit the possible uses of the property, due more to the historical development of this Greek neighborhood, rather than to the actions of Alpha Gamma Rho • Greek houses in this neighborhood have been renovated in order to improve safety and meet the needs of today's students. • Alpha Gamma Rho is trying to maintain the chapter house as a comparable alternative for student housing. • Granting of this variance will result in substantial justice therefore the variance does meet the standard of Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1504(4)(d).