07-10-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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From: judy.fredrickson@ubs.com To: Denny Walsh; Richard Crosby; Wendy Dankey; Aaron H. Printuo; Victoria Seals Cc: Jeremy Barnhart Subject: ITEM N0: 14; Item Description: #17-3944 Westwood Professional Services o/b/o Ugorets 9098 LLC, 2520 Shadywood Road, Rezoning and Master Plan Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 2:57:09 PM Attachments: disclaim.txt Importance: High July 10, 2017 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Judy and Dave Fredrickson, 2507 Kelly Avenue, Excelsior, MN 55331; 612.916.6084 SUBJECT: #17-3944 Westwood Professioanl Services o/b/o Ugorests 9098 LLC I would like to offer comments summarizing my personal views as well as those of many of my neighbors on Kelly Avenue and Lydiard regarding the proposed 40 unit condo project on Shadywood Road. As you know, the planning commission voted to deny this project 6-0 at their last meeting based on a wide variety of reasons such as the height AND strong, negative feedback of nearby property owners who wish to protect their property and avoid traffic issues. I also have a real concernwith the inadequate notice of this meeting when the City knows how many people have a true interest in their neighborhood. Makes me feel that items are snuck onto the Agenda in hopes that "the neighbors won't show up — especially vocal ones". At the last meeting, we received a postcard alerting us to this project being on the Agneda. We got the postcard the Friday before the Monday meeting and comments were due the same day???? That is not advancwe notice nor transparency from the City. We respectfully ask that you deny this particular project as it stands for the following reasons: 1. Recommendation: I find it disheartening that Jeremy Barnhart is recommending this project after all of the negative feedback it has received. I understand that there is a requirement to bring projects in front of the City Council even if the Planning Commission has voted against it. I also understand that the City Council does not have to abide by their decision. However, to make a recommendation in support of the project is extremely disappointing. If the City does not stand by the people who live in it and who pay the taxes for it ... what are the priorities of the staff? 188 people signed an on-line petition against this project after a well -attended April open house by the Developer. We took the time to ask questions and be informed. We are NOT the neighborhood of NO. There was no big opposition to the Cudd 7 unit townhome project. I personally wrote a letter in support of that project (right across the street from the Freshwater) because it was "consistent with the neighborhood" and I knew the quality of the builder. I would like to know how many neighbors have written you in support of the project? I urge you to take the time to read the concerns of the 188 petitioners. Your decision today will set a precedent for Orono.