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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMisc.Attached responses 1.) List the changed or changing conditions in the area or in the City which make this zone change necessary. Through a formal process Gamma Phi Sorority was invited by Texas A &M to form a Chapter at the College Station campus. The University, through the Panhellenic Council requires that housing be provided by the sorority for their members. For the Chapter to be successful the sorority must construct or purchase a facility that is equal to and in the proximity of the existing sorority houses. National statistics indicated that isolated chapter houses have been unsuccessful endeavors. The national average for a new chapter to provide housing is two years. Sorority row in College Station is maxed out and the zoning ordnances do not provide for the construction of additional housing near or adjacent to the existing sorority row. Therefore, it is necessary to request zoning changes that will allow the construction of new facilities to meet the needs of the sorority. Gamma Phi worked with a local realtor to determine if there was available land zoned correctly for the construction of a new facility. The search was in vain as there is no available land or existing property that could be purchased to meet the needs. The property on Dominik Drive i.e. lots 3, 4, and 5 is the only single source property that provides adequate land to build the facility. 2.) Indicate whether or not this zone change is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan. If it is not, explain why the Plan is incorrect. The change is not in accordance with the R -1 zoning of the property. Base on the zoning requirement and the amount of land available the density would not allow 21 bedrooms. However, the request is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan in requesting a Planed Developed District to facilitate the construction of a sorority house. 3.) List any other reasons to support this zone change. The sorority was invited to come and join the College Station community. They plan to be a part of the community for many years. Many changes to the zoning and administrative policies of the City will take place during these years. The sorority is caught in the middle of a lack of communication between Texas A &M and the City of College Station. A &M failed to inform the City that additional sororities will be invited to the campus. Had this been done the situation could have been solved before in lieu of after the fact. The sorority has sponsored meetings for the neighborhood to explain what they proposed to build and to have discussions about the concerns of the neighbors. These meetings generated two major concerns traffic and noise. The sorority present the following information associated with these two items: Traffic — The members of Gamma Phi will be required to park on their property. On street parking will not be allowed for the chapter members and their visitors. During recruitment, (fall and early spring) members will not be allowed to park off the property. All women seeking membership to any sorority will be bused to sorority row. The parking congestion is caused by the existing members not the recruits. Existing members of Gamma Phi working the recruitment will park on site or find other means of transportation. The parking areas will be designed to facilitate rapid access onto the site from the street. The sorority is willing to have the City post no parking on Dominik. Control and enforcement of the above will be accomplished through the International Sorority Policies and local house rules. Noise — A noise barrier will be provided at the rear of the property to reduce the noise. Additional landscaping will be incorporated to provide visual barriers adjacent to neighboring property. Attached is a copy of the International Gamma Phi Beta Policies concerning chapter life. In addition to the International Policies there will be stringent house rules that will be developed by the house corporation and approved by the International organization that will govern the members' behavior. Most importantly, the sorority is willing to agree that if rezoned the property can only be used as a sorority house or revert to R -1 zoning. If the Chapter closes the house could only be rented or sold to another sorority. If sold to anyone other than a sorority the property must revert to single family residence zoning. INTERNATIONAL GAMMA PHI BETA POLICIES Use and Possession of Alcoholic Beverages, Narcotics, Marijuana and/or Hallucinogens: There shall be no consumption of, possession of or storage of any alcoholic beverages on any property owned by, rented by, controlled by, used in the name of or occupied in the name of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, including, but not limited to, suites, dorm floors, designated dorms, houses or designated areas. The use and /or possession of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, marijuana, and /or hallucinogens are strictly prohibited in the sorority facility or on the grounds. Any violation of this rule by a member or new member will result in immediate expulsion from residency in the chapter house and shall be considered cause for immediate disciplinary action by International Council against the member /new member, chapter or both. Personal Dignity: Gamma Phi Beta Sorority dedicates itself to the preservation and development of the self -worth and dignity of each of its members. Every new member and member of Gamma Phi Beta is expected to conduct themselves at all times through actions, dress and language to reflect the highest standards of womanhood. Hazing: Gamma Phi Beta Sorority views any form of hazing as contrary to the mission and purpose of the organization. Hazing in any form is prohibited in any chapter of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. In accordance with the National Panhellenic Conference, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority defines hazing as any act or behavior whether physical, mental, emotional or psychological, which subjects a person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to abuse, mistreatment, degradation, humiliation, harassment, embarrassment, or intimidation, or which may in any fashion compromise her inherent human dignity. Any violation of this policy by a member or new member shall be considered cause for immediate disciplinary action by International Council against the member /new member, chapter or both. Firearms: There shall be no firearms (guns, pistols or other shooting weapons) or explosives in the possession of any Gamma Phi Beta collegiate member, alumna, visitor, guest or employee on any property owned by, rented by, or used in the name of or occupied in the name of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, including but not limited to suites, dorm floors, designated dorms, houses or designated areas. This policy does not apply to law enforcement officers or licensed security officers contracted to provide security for a Gamma Phi Beta event. Male Visitation: There shall be no male visitors in any property owned by, rented by, or used in the name of or occupied in the name of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, including suites, dorm floors, designated dorms, houses or designated areas between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. There shall be no male visitation in individual rooms or sleeping areas between 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. (Male visitation hours for Zeta Rho Chapter at Texas ABM University will be set in accordance with campus and Panhellenic regulations and customs, not to exceed those set by International Gamma Phi Beta.) Use of Candles and Other Open Flame Devices: Candles, incense, halogen lamps /lights, oil burning items and other open flame devices may not be used in any Gamma Phi Beta housing facility, including, but not limited to, bedrooms and other living areas. Candles and other open flame devices may not be used during any membership recruitment activities, ritual activities, including formal pledging and Initiation, Founders Day ceremonies or formal chapter meetings, regardless of location. In the event candles are necessary for a ritual activity, battery- operated candles shall be used. Pets: There shall be no pets in the sorority facility. Attached responses 1.) List the changed or changing conditions in the area or in the City which make this zone change necessary. Through a formal process Gamma Phi Sorority was invited by Texas A &M to form a Chapter at the College Station campus. The University, through the Panhellenic Council requires that housing be provided by the sorority for their members. For the Chapter to be successful the sorority must construct or purchase a facility that is equal to and in the proximity of the existing sorority houses. National statistics indicated that isolated chapter houses have been unsuccessful endeavors. The national average for a new chapter to provide housing is two years. Sorority row in College Station is maxed out and the zoning ordnances do not provide for the construction of additional housing near or adjacent to the existing sorority row. Therefore, it is necessary to request zoning changes that will allow the construction of new facilities to meet the needs of the sorority. Gamma Phi worked with a local realtor to determine if there was available land zoned correctly for the construction of a new facility. The search was in vain as there is no available land or existing property that could be purchased to meet the needs. The property on Dominik Drive i.e. lots 3, 4, and 5 is the only single source property that provides adequate land to build the facility. 2.) Indicate whether or not this zone change is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan. If it is not, explain why the Plan is incorrect. The change is not in accordance with the R -1 zoning of the property. Base on the zoning requirement and the amount of land available the density would not allow 21 bedrooms. However, the request is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan in requesting a Planed Developed District to facilitate the construction of a sorority house. 3.) List any other reasons to support this zone change. The sorority was invited to come and join the College Station community. They plan to be a part of the community for many years. Many changes to the zoning and administrative policies of the City will take place during these years. The sorority is caught in the middle of a lack of communication between Texas A &M and the City of College Station. A &M failed to inform the City that additional sororities will be invited to the campus. Had this been done the situation could have been solved before in lieu of after the fact. The sorority has sponsored meetings for the neighborhood to explain what they proposed to build and to have discussions about the concerns of the neighbors. These meetings generated two major concerns traffic and noise. The sorority present the following information associated with these two items: Traffic — The members of Gamma Phi will be required to park on their property. On street parking will not be allowed for the chapter members and their visitors. During recruitment, (fall and early spring) members will not be allowed to park off the property. All women seeking membership to any sorority will be bused to sorority row. The parking congestion is caused by the existing members not the recruits. Existing members of Gamma Phi working the recruitment will park on site or find other means of transportation. The parking areas will be designed to facilitate rapid access onto the site from the street. The sorority is willing to have the City post no parking on Dominik. Control and enforcement of the above will be accomplished through the International Sorority Policies and local house rules. Noise — A noise barrier will be provided at the rear of the property to reduce the noise. Additional landscaping will be incorporated to provide visual barriers adjacent to neighboring property. Attached is a copy of the International Gamma Phi Beta Policies concerning chapter life. In addition to the International Policies there will be stringent house rules that will be developed by the house corporation and approved by the International organization that will govern the members' behavior. Most importantly, the sorority is willing to agree that if rezoned the property can only be used as a sorority house or revert to R -I zoning. If the Chapter closes the house could only be rented or sold to another sorority. If sold to anyone other than a sorority the property must revert to single family residence zoning. INTERNATIONAL GAMMA PHI BETA POLICIES Use and Possession of Alcoholic Beverages, Narcotics, Marijuana and /or Hallucinogens: There shall be no consumption of, possession of or storage of any alcoholic beverages on any property owned by, rented by, controlled by, used in the name of or occupied in the name of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, including, but not limited to, suites, dorm floors, designated dorms, houses or designated areas. The use and /or possession of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, marijuana, and /or hallucinogens are strictly prohibited in the sorority facility or on the grounds. Any violation of this rule by a member or new member will result in immediate expulsion from residency in the chapter house and shall be considered cause for immediate disciplinary action by International Council against the member /new member, chapter or both. Personal Dignity: Gamma Phi Beta Sorority dedicates itself to the preservation and development of the self -worth and dignity of each of its members. Every new member and member of Gamma Phi Beta is expected to conduct themselves at all times through actions, dress and language to reflect the highest standards of womanhood. Hazing: Gamma Phi Beta Sorority views any form of hazing as contrary to the mission and purpose of the organization. Hazing in any form is prohibited in any chapter of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. In accordance with the National Panhellenic Conference, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority defines hazing as any act or behavior whether physical, mental, emotional or psychological, which subjects a person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to abuse, mistreatment, degradation, humiliation, harassment, embarrassment, or intimidation, or which may in any fashion compromise her inherent human dignity. Any violation of this policy by a member or new member shall be considered cause for immediate disciplinary action by International Council against the member /new member, chapter or both. Firearms: There shall be no firearms (guns, pistols or other shooting weapons) or explosives in the possession of any Gamma Phi Beta collegiate member, alumna, visitor, guest or employee on any property owned by, rented by, or used in the name of or occupied in the name of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, including but not limited to suites, dorm floors, designated dorms, houses or designated areas. This policy does not apply to law enforcement officers or licensed security officers contracted to provide security for a Gamma Phi Beta event. Male Visitation: There shall be no male visitors in any property owned by, rented by, or used in the name of or occupied in the name of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, including suites, dorm floors, designated dorms, houses or designated areas between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. There shall be no male visitation in individual rooms or sleeping areas between 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. (Male visitation hours for Zeta Rho Chapter at Texas A$M University will be set in accordance with campus and Panhellenic regulations and customs, not to exceed those set by International Gamma Phi Beta.) Use of Candles and Other Open Flame Devices: Candles, incense, halogen lamps /lights, oil burning items and other open flame devices may not be used in any Gamma Phi Beta housing facility, including, but not limited to, bedrooms and other living areas. Candles and other open flame devices may not be used during any membership recruitment activities, ritual activities, including formal pledging and Initiation, Founders Day ceremonies or formal chapter meetings, regardless of location. In the event candles are necessary for a ritual activity, battery- operated candles shall be used. Pets: There shall be no pets in the sorority facility.