City threatens action if fraternities move off-campus
Steven Nelson | Editor in Chief
Last Updated:7/9/09 Section: News
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Williamsburg City Zoning Administrator Rodney Rhodes recently issued a letter to fraternities cautioning them not to establish themselves at locations in the City outside of the College. The Office of the President was copied on the letter, according to information sent to The Informer.
Mr. Rhodes wrote, "we have been informed that many of the fraternities at the College of William and Mary have chosen not to seek on campus housing for the 2009-2010 school year." The letter continued, "fraternities are not permitted uses [for residential buildings] in the City other than in the William and Mary District."
Fraternity locations outside of the college zone, wrote Mr. Rhodes, will "be subject to legal action for enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance." The letter has been interpreted by some students as a scare tactic by the City.
Former City Council candidate Matt Beato ('09) said that he "hope[s] Mr. Rhodes was just trying to enforce the law and not use an inappropriate scare tactic towards William and Mary students." Mr. Beato notes that there is no rule preventing members of the same fraternity from living in the same house, so long as they abide by other city regulations. He suspects this letter to address a "non issue."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
A Greek
posted 5/02/09 @ 3:23 PM EST
Has anyone tried litigating the city on the grounds that barring fraternities from meeting off campus is a violation of their first amendment rights to peaceably assemble? This isn't even about meeting in public - this is about meeting in a private domicile. (Continued…)
senior
posted 5/09/09 @ 5:16 AM EST
Nobody has tried it because it is not necessary. The city couldn't possible sue a group of friends for meeting, or doing anything, at a house where other friends were legally living. (Continued…)
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