09-20-2021 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

• From: Merrilee Lundquist To: Melanie Curtis Subject: Fw:Orono Variance 1074 Loma Linda Avenue Date: Wednesday,July 21,2021 3:22:27 PM Melanie: I just got the narrative from Rob Linden for 1074 Loma Linda. He had the misfortune of having the narrative erased from what I submitted, so he wrote from memory. Here is the owners narrative if it will clarify. I know it did not meet the deadline. Thank you Merrilee Lundquist Introduction: The abstract to the land goes back to the 1800's when this area was owned by many early settlers that bays of Minnetonka are named. 1074 is a 50 foot lakeshore lot. A cabin was taken down and replaced by an architecturally designed home in 1931. It's floor joists are made of iron wood, it's walls are plaster. Its structure is solid. My parents purchased the home in 1951, I grew up in this house, and John Lundquist inherited the house when his grandmother passed away at age 92 in 2009. 1074 has been owned by our family for 70 years and intend to keep ownership. This home means a lot to our family. The surrounding homes have all been remodeled, or torn down and rebuilt. 1. The variance is in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the Ordinance. John Lundquist is able to work from home and would use the space built over the garage as an office. 2. The variances consistent with the comprehensive plan. The small 50 foot lots on the lakeside of Loma Linda essentially have the garage presence to the road instead of the house. We wanted to have an updated well designed garage streetside. Several houses have been remodeled to include living space above their garage. The surrounding houses are much taller. The garage to the north is built 1/2 foot from the lot line and is forward of our garage. The neighbors have approved and appreciate the upgrade we are proposing 3. The owner establishes that there are practical difficulties The well is located next to the house by the kitchen. We had a problem and asked if we could drill a new well. The only way on the small lot with sewer, etc.. was to move the well lakeside in front of the house which would be very expensive. Moving the garage to the south would prevent access to well with equipment. The garage footings are not deep enough and it is showing damage. The garage has to be torn down and built correctly. We want to build on the grandfathered footprint and attach to the main house through the kitchen. The two story home has two bedrooms, and one bathroom which is a hardship for a family. We explored adding another bathroom to the existing interior of the home, but it is not possible.