07-27-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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From:Stachia Fey To:Anna Carlson; Dustin Rief Subject:LLRC building proposal Date:Monday, July 27, 2020 4:51:21 AM Ms Carlson, Mr Rief, Mr Walsh, Mr Printup, Ms Seals, Mr Crosby and Mr Johnson, Thank you for taking the time to read my email. Last night I was made aware of a proposed building on Summit Beach for a rowing club. Hence, I've been awake, unable to sleep. A friend of a friend found out this was happening on the Nextdoor App. I was wondering, have letters or emails been sent out to residents of Orono and/or Long Lake? If so, my apologies for not seeing it. My family and I have been Orono residents for the past 18+ years. We bought a property on Long Lake Blvd, it was at one time the ice shack for the farmhouse next door. We eventually tore down the 700sq/ft house and built a modest home on the property 4 years after becoming residents. Letters were sent out to our neighbors regarding a City Council Meeting where they were invited to attend in order to understand our plan for building. I did not see such a letter for this proposed building and maybe this proposal isn't quite at that point. Our family absolutely loves this community and Long Lake. We are avid stand up paddleboards that use Long Lake all the time. My husband ice fishes on it in the winter and I snowshoe. On the rare occasion there is a sheet of ice thick enough to skate on before snow flies, we are out there. We have been going to Summit Beach since we moved here in the late 90's. Often we paddleboard over there and play on the rope swing enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and swim area provided. We also frequently bike around the lake and go for a swim and picnic in the lush grassy area on the hill. There have been so many incredible memories made at Summit Beach by our family and friends. Our son, who is now 13, rides his bike to this beach all the time with his buddies to play in the water. They have even created fun hide and seek games. Personally, I go over there and stretch on top of my paddleboard while holding onto the rope swing when no one is using it. It is my absolute favorite activity ever! The trees on this property are so majestic and full of character. It feels like a canopy of bliss on hot days. I went to this beach before it was a destination for others. It is no longer an unfound gem. While still a gem, it is used by many lucky people. I see people hanging from the trees in hammocks, people playing football and soccer in the grassy open space, families having picnics and swimmers, floaters and paddleboards in the area. It is a rarity to have such a special spot to go. We are blessed. It is my understanding that this piece of property was donated to the city by the Dayton family over 50 years ago for its natural beauty to be used as