HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/26/2026 Item 5a, Smith, K.
Kerry Smith <
To:E-mail Council Website; Stewart, Erica A
Subject:IFC proposals
Dear City Council Members, May 25, 2026
As a 50 year resident of San Luis Obispo, I have witnessed many changes to our
neighborhoods over the years and I care deeply about the direction of local housing policy. I
don’t live adjacent to Cal Poly but I do live very close to many “family” homes that have been
converted to student housing. The number of people packed into each house has changed the
neighborhood dramatically in terms of the sense of community, parking, traffic and noise. The
current proposals supported by the IFC are understandably distressing to the residents
immediately impacted but it will also affect other neighborhoods in the City.
Allowing expanded group living arrangements in traditionally single-family areas could
permanently alter the character of residential neighborhoods throughout the City. Such
changes will doubtfully remain limited to one part of town.
Cal Poly should provide appropriate, designated areas on university property to house
fraternities and sororities where the noise and disrespectful behavior can be handled directly
by university staff and police. It does not seem reasonable for surrounding residential
neighborhoods to absorb the consequences of university-related housing demand and
housing for fraternity business and events.
I strongly urge the Council to preserve and expand existing neighborhood protections and
ensure that responsibility for student organization housing lies with the university itself.
Sincerely,
Kerry Smith
Almond Street
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