05-21-1990 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

May 10,1990 CITY OF ORONO P.O. Box 66 Ciystal Bay, Minnesota 55323 RE: LAND USE APPUCATION NO. 1529 Dear City Planners: Because I believe it veiy necessary that my property have a garage, and because there are quite a number of extenuating circumstances, I am compelled to write you a brief history of my pursuit of this variance and why I believe it should be granted. My wite, Sherri, and I purchased 3845 Baysidc Road in June of 1988. It was only after much discussion that we placed lakeshore ownership above a garage on our list of priorities. After the first winter, the priority list quicldy changed. In June of 1989, 1 first approached the city staff about a variance application. The original proposal was for a garage in front of and aligned with the house. During the first discussions, it was suggested that I try to purchase some of Outlot A next door and put the garage on the side of the house. I talked to the developer, Paul Swanson, and sent letters to the owners of Outlot A that summer. I got no response from Evan Austin. Lee Harren seemed receptive, but had several conditions to the sale. One of those conditions was that the house on the Austin lot be staked. This lot is now up for resale which makes the conditions impossible to meet. In October, while our car and truck were parked in front of the house, vandals broke into both vehicles. We reported this to the Orono police on October 13, 1989. We have now lived through a second winter and we have determined that a garage is a necessity for us. It has also become evident that attaching the garage to the side of the house on Outlot A would encroach the 75 foot setback area. After a second discussion with the city staff, I have submitted a survey with the proposed garage located in front of the house, but offset to allow for additional parking on the property. I have reduced the size of the garage to minimize hardcover. For that same reason I have not requested a turn around in the driveway. I have discussed the garage with the most immediate neighbor, Mrs. Peggy Peterson, and she has written a letter of approval. I understand your concerns for maintaining the hardcover standard as set forth, but I believe that there is substantial hardship that can be demonstrated and that I am not asking for more than is typical on other properties. Thank you for considering this proposal. Sincerely, John B. Thiesse Enclosure