09-27-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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EXHIBIT L 2. Iniprovcments to the lot: With the counsel of Tanicc and Tom, we have come to understand the rationale and support the cities development philosophy. Our submittal and intent deinonstiales our commitment to improving this propert)* and protecting the lake consistent with Orono’s vision. This property was listed and sold by the previous owners as a “knockdown” because of its age and condition. We are exiled, however, to be able to help improve both the neighborhood appearance and character with our changes. A partial list of improvements we will complete includes: o Removal of all hardcover and an existing boat house in 0-75 ft zone, o Reduction of hardcover in the 75-250 zone from 35.35% to 24 9%, o Improvement of side lot setback from approximately 6 feel to 10 feet, o Improvement of neighborhood drainage despite significant natural topography that currently drives water to neighboring lots, o Improvement of the energy efficiency and safety of the home itself while sustaining the essential external character of the neighborhood, o Restoration of our eroding lakcshore in cooperation with the neighbors to the north and the relevant I^ke Minnetonka governing agencies Preservation of neiithborlioods: As we were considering various Twin Cities areas for relocation, the neighborhoods and schools of Oiono quickly raised to the top of our list. Several of Kevin ’s colleagues at General Mills described Oiono as very family focused and a community that valued having a \ ai icty of family types along the same streets because of their scattered development approach. This diversity is important to us as we raise cur children. We agree with the city’s Community Management Plan wiicn it says: “A/oi/ of Oruno*s exist iiif^ urban neighborhoods arc a homogenous mix of newer and older homes intermingled with an occasional vacant lot or a larger, divisible lot There is no sini*le ncifihhorhood which is in need of complete renewal or rehabiUtation ’ We feel the dominant land ownership along one street and programmatic and complete renewal of Westlake is contrary to this intention. As we hopefully begin raising our three small children on the lake, we look forward to preserving the traditions of our neighborhood. The essential character, we believe, has moic to do wi;h the people of Westlake than a developer ’s vision. Families like the Anderson’s, Olson’s, and the Hauer’s have lived there for decades, raised himilies, and defined that character We have already spent hours under our backyard trees talking willi them and were instantly offered the use of their docks for this summer as ours is in disrepair. For us. that is the essential character of Weslakc, and of Orono, that is in need of preservation. We arc blessed to have the opportunity to picserve this neighborhood as one of homes and families of many types and sizes We lespcctfiilly request your support in domg so. Best regards, Kevin and Julie Fitzpatrick Maple Grove, MN