02-13-2006 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

„;' � � Mike Gaffi•on 1'laruung Director City oF Orono Post Office Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN 55323 January 24, 2006 Dear Mike, Please consider this leiter not�s one of our frustration, but a narrative on how I believe we have tried our best to address what has been suggested by the city as a reasonable development proposal. In the fall of 2004, Jim Rettinger called telling me that Calvin Presbyterian Church would like to sell some of their property. This was an important decision for the church, and its congregation. The sale of the property would allow the church to pay down debt and provide for longer term financial health for the church. After carefiil deliberation by the churcl�leaders, the Presbyter, and with congregational approval they chose to sell the property. You and I met and you showed me the plans the City of Orono might like to see in this area. The easiest and best access would have been from Glendale Ave. At this point there were no discussions with the neighbors (Williamsons) to include their property. Following suggestions that a road from Willow Drive might provide a better access, I engaged in conversations with the Williamsons to sell their property. When property owners make a decision to sell their property there are a lot of emotions and decisions made. When a developer buys a property they should base there decisions on information provided by a city that best indicates the cities desire for the property. The various property owners and the developer made decisions based on direction and uiformation provided by you and the city. This is when we brought our proposal forward with confidence that this would meet the itrterest of the City of Orono. When a proposal starts to inove forward there is a lot on the line relative to; conunitments made, iune and energy, and expenses, on behalf of the Calvin Church, the Williamsons', aud the developer. Tlu-oughout the process we have followed the recommendations of City Staff, Plaiuiing Conunission, and various consultants. We have closely followed what the City has asked us to do relative to meeting with their consuliants to identify opportuilities for conservation. We have also experienced the transition and implementation of the new City of Orono Wetland Ordinance (I believe tlus was formally adopted in August or SepteinUer of 2005)