09-20-1982 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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-*flO COUNCIL MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 28, 1977 Page 20 I The tax base for the City would be increased to the benefit of the community. Moreover, the house Mr* Petersen plans to build on the property is a quality house which would increase the property value of the surrounding lots. LETTER - GARY PETERSEN 3545 Ivy Place (Ocntinu^) Not only would the variance enhance the welfare of the community, but it would have no adverse effect* Since sewer and water is in, there would be no pollution or environmental concern. It obstructs no one's view of the lake* In fact, the houses across the alley all face the lake and most have their gar^'it^s and fences along the alley* Mr. Petersen has spoken with several of the neighboring propti'rty owners and none have expressed any concern or objections about his proposed house* The only legitimate concern the City has expressed is their planning objective, which, if analyzed, is not significant in this case. One must remember that this whole neighborhood was platted in 1885 and developed years before the City even envisioned a zoning code. The character of the neighborhood was set in 1885 and firmly established in the first half of this century when the homes were built on this property. While this neighborhood may not conform with contemporary planning standards of lot size and width, this is not a raodernly designed neighborhood* The character and design of this neighborhood were struck in the early 1900*s when this property was platted and developed. All the lots, except Mr. Petersen's, are 50*-foot lots. As noted earlier, Mr. Petersen's lot is the- largest of the subdivision. Unfortunately, this size lot was standard when this subdivision was platted and develped. I'm sure everyone wishes' that the lots were bigger and that the subdivision were planned differently, but that is impossible to do at this late date. It is not practical to impose 1977 planning objectives on a lot which is part of a subdivision and neighborhood which was planned and developed according to planning objectives in 1900. Refusing to allow Mr. Petersen to build on the lot or requiring him to somehow purchase additional l2uid, which may not even be available, will not aid the planning objective in that subdivision. Any larger lot would stick out like a sore thumb and not be in conformance with the character of the neighborhood. Planning objectives must be realistic and should take into consideration the average lot size and general character of the neighborhood. Mr. Petersen's lot is larger than the average lot in that sub division and is in conformance with the general character, use and plan of the neighborhood and should not be denied a variance.(Continued)