11-19-2001 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tobin J. Dayton 1895 Fox R idge R oad Long Lake. Minnesota 55356 November 11.2001 Orono Planning Commission 2750 Kelley Parkway Crystal Bay. MN 55325 Dear Planning Commission, I am writing to communicate my support to the project being proposed by Revis Stephenson at 1850 Fox Ridge Road in Long Lake. While the project is certainly not insignificant. I am confident that it will add to the aesthetics, safety, and overall quality of the neighborhood in a number of ways. Of particular interest to me as Revis and I talked at length and walked our two properties, w*as the environmental impact on both the trees and the wetlands behind our houses. On both counts. 1 am of the opinion that in the end, the project will not only prove to have minimal impact in either respect, but in the case of the trees, will substantially improve the overall quality of the woods. While a significant number of trees will indeed be lost, the vast majority of those to be lost arc low-quality, short-lived box elders. These will be replaced with much higher-quality, longer-lived trees including maples and white pines. Concerning the wetlands. I am comfortable with Revis* assurance that his project will maintain more than an acceptable distance from the wetlands behind our houses and will have minimal to no impact on this valuable and fragile ecosystem. Equally as important a consideration is the positive impact that the project will have on the overall safety of the neighborhood. The hill behind Revis* house and adjacent to my property is exceptionally sleep, with an immediate and sudden drop-off behind their house. While we have strict rules for our kids about playing near the * fall-line* and have been fortunate that no one has been seriously injured to date, it remains a dangerous part of the neighborhood. By lessening the severity of the hilfs slope, the project will dramatically improve the overall safety of the neighborhood. For certain, I have given significant thought to the issues involved and have talked at length with Revis about a number of points. He has been very open and communicative, and I have appreciated the opportunity to provide him with my thoughts and feedback. After careful consideration, I share Revis* opinion that the project being proposed will add substantially to the overall aesthetics, environmental quality, and safety of the neighborhood. If any members of the Planning Commission have any questions concerning this matter, 1 can be reached at 952-473-7787. Sincerely, j