HomeMy WebLinkAboutNancy LauschThe Honorable Yellowstone County Commissioners CITY
Yellowstone County Courthouse
217 North 27th Street
Billings MT 59101
Dear Sirs:
I am a Yellowstone County resident and have lived in High Point Subdivision in Laurel
for 28 years. I am the only original landowner on East Maryland Lane from Yard Office
Road to Fir Avenue. Approximately a month ago, it was brought to my attention that due
to a zonq~g'ordinan-c~ ~a~sed-fn 1978, we are ho~lth~er alltwed t6 tiav~'livesf6~k
or cattle (4 total) according to original covenants).
The chronology of events as I tmderstand is as follows:
Ms. Willow Peterson who resides at 1707 East Maryland Lane bought her property
approximately two years ago as horse property. The three adjacent landowners are
apparently upset with her horse setup. They filed a compltimt and Ms. Peterson had to
remove her horses from the property due to the zoning ordinance. Ms. Peterson then
filed for a zoning variance to allow her to have four horses on her property which is what
the original covenants state. Two of the landowners evidently took a petition around
High Point Subdivision asking for signatures to deny Ms. Peterson the zoning variance.
These two individuals did not go to every residence in the subdivision. They chose only
the residences that did not have livestock. As a matter of fact, I did not know any of this
was happening until I received a copy of the zoning variance petition filed by Ms.
Peterson that was sent to me in the mail from Yellowstone County. By this time, these
gentlemen with the petition had addressed the Laurel City Council stating they had 60%
of the signatures of the residents in High Point Subdivision. I do not believe this is a true
statement.
I contacted the Laurel City Hall immediately regarding this zoning ordinance. They
stated that the landowners were not contacted when this zoning ordinance was passed but
that it was advertised in the Billings Gazette. How can it be that the majority of the
residents in High Point Subdivision were not aware that this zoning law passed? Many of
the people have bought their property as horse property. Now we are left with land that
we pay large taxes on and cannot use it as we wish. What is a person to do with two
acres if you don't have livestock? I personally did not move to this area with the
intention of mowing and watering two acres.
The next issue is, because of this zoning ordinance, the value of our property has dropped
substantially. If we cannot sell this property as horse property, people do not want the
extra work of keeping up two acres.
I called the Laurel City Hall two weeks ago and inquired about the meetings to be held on
February 24, 2004 and March 2, 2004. The Clerk of Court stated that the public would
have a chance to address the City Councii Members at both meetings but that the Council
was recommending denial of this zoning variance. I attended the prelim/nary meeting of
the Laurel City Council on February 24, 2004. The public was not allowed to speak at
this meeting. Mr. Cai Cummings recommended granting a zon/ng variance to allow two
horses on Ms. Willow Peterson's property only. He was also concerned about the fact
that disallowing horses on the properties in High Point subdivision would devalue ail
properties. At that original public hearing, Mr. Cummings did go on record as saying
even if Ms. Willow Peterson's zoning variance was denied, the other property owners
would not be asked to remove their livestock. They would have to remove their livestock
on a complaint only basis. How can a law be enforced on one individual but not every
resident in the neighborhood?
My ~ext qu~tionWoyo~'wourd b~, that; ~f We-ar~-going fo-Fart enTorC~-th~ ~on~mg laws-~ .......
can we also enfome the covenants? If we are going to disallow livestock, can we
subdivide property to recoup our losses on the horse property?
I would like to go on record as stating that I want one law that applies to our entire
subdivision. If this means I will need to file a complaint against every resident in the
subdivision that is breaking the zoning ordinances and covenants, I will certainly comply.
I believe that landowners should have rights. Apparently the zon'mg ordinance that has
been passed has taken away our rights as property owners. The residents of High Point
Subdivision need some resolution to this problem. Any assistance from you, the County
Commissioners, would be greatly appreciated.
Also, since the next Laurel City Council meeting is March 2, 2004, a prompt response
would be greatiy appreciated.
Sincerely, ,,
Nancy LauscF
1608 East Maryland Lane
Laurel MT 59044
628-8547 (Home)
655-6000 (Work)
,C/~.' Laurel Council Members
City