Emmitsburg to allow new type of student housing downtown
The policy does not apply to homes with five or fewer bedrooms, since those types of living arrangements are considered boarding homes in the town code.
Designations of student housing of this type are to be awarded as zoning special exceptions by the Board of Appeals and must not be within 500 feet of another boarding home or student housing units, according to the ordinance.
Additional conditions of student housing for those enrolled in post-secondary schools include one off-street parking space per bedroom, trash to be screened from public view and a maximum of one student per bedroom.
All dwelling units must meet the requirements of the International Building Code.
The ordinance came as a response to two rental properties owned by local businessman David Ott that totaled 11 units — surpassing the boarding house thresholds.
The ordinance passed 3-2 on Monday.
Commissioners Jim Hoover, Kevin Hagan and Cliff Sweeney voted in favor.
Commissioners Amy Boehman-Pollitt and Valerie Turnquist voted against.
Hagan said the ordinance was more about preventing development in the future that might change the character of the community of West Main Street and destroy the historic, charming nature.
He added that a more robust student housing bill may need to be passed later to address all forms of housing that students from Mount St. Mary's University may choose, but the ordinance would provide assurances to landowners in the near term.
'We're putting off the good for the perfect and we may never find the perfect,' Hagan said. 'The longer we wait, the more it costs everyone. We're running up everybody's legal fees here.'
Boehman-Pollitt said amending the ordinance with a rental registration bill later to put more restrictions on student housing was like 'putting the cart before the horse.'
'I don't see how it is the town's problem to make sure a landlord gets to maximize their profit, so much as what is our town vision?' she said. 'If we want it limited, it should be stated ahead of time.'
Turnquist said the policy was 'so vague' that it would not adequately solve the issue for any parties involved.
'I'm not opposed to students living in town, but I think we need to protect the quality of life for our residents by ensuring a policy that's fair and equitable to all,' she said.
During the public comments period, two residents spoke out against student housing, while Gerard Joyce, Mount St. Mary's president, asked the council to continue building the relationship between the town and the Mount.
'We want to be part of this community, if you'll have us,' Joyce said.
He added that living off campus was not a matter of scarcity of on-campus housing, but a step in the development of life skills for students looking to live independently and frequent local stores and restaurants, adding to the vibrancy of downtown life.
'Part of our mission is producing ethical leaders with service to God and others — you're the others in this scenario,' Joyce said. 'I want you to be as proud of our students as we are.'
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