09-21-1998 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 20,1998 Mayor Jabbour 2750 Kelly Paricway RO Box 66 Ciystal Bay, Minnesota 55323 Dear Mayor Jabbour, Members of the Orono City Council. Members of the Orono Planning Commission, and Zoning Administrators, My name is Snem Manikowski. My husband Joe Manikowski and I live at 3505 Christine Drive, next door to 3535 Christine Drive. I would like to give input regarding your decision concerning the variance request (#2420) for a ninety-foot wind generator to be erected at 3535 Christine Drive. Three and wie half years ago vw moved from Golden Valley to Orono. The reasons we choose this area are clear to us. Christine Drive is a quiet private road. We were anxious to have the beauty of nature around us. We wanted to excjqre the increasing noise level rf the first ring suburbs. Finally we wanted to protect the investment in our home with the stable property values in this area For this we were willing to take «i a imich higher tax bill Because of purposed variance #2420 all of these reasons seem to be in some jeopardy. A ninety-foot wind generator will clearly be out of character with the neighborhood. It is an eye sore and will have a n^ative effect on the neighborhood. It will be in view from any area on the backside of our home and also will greet anyone driving up to the front entrance. We often have windows open at night or sit on our deck to enjoy the quiet WTind generators have a contimious hum that would take away from this experience and not allow us to have windows open d^ or night We also fear that much of the wild life now present would be scared away. There would be a need for lights (aircraft do fly in the area) on this size tower that would also shine in our windows at night Our home value will certainly decrease. All of these issues concern us. I have called World Power Technologies Inc. The purposed wind tower is ninety feet high and requires a ninety-foot diameter circle at its base created by its guide wires. We have a concern about the location of those wires. If the structure would fall it could be on our property or the DNR s property. When asked about how many of these towers had been put into suburban locations, the World Power Technologies Inc. representative said, “these are almost always rural installations because suburban areas do not allow them.” Our street with its five existing homes would certainly be considered suburbaa A call to the University of Minnesota’s School of Engineering confirmed another concern. Towers of this size draw lightning strikes. Lighting then goes to the highest point available, in this case, the cedar roofs on any of the homes on Christine Drive that would back up to ft. We feel this is a very real safety hazard and c^d effect homeowner's insurance rates. We are asking that you deny variance request #2420 and do not take any precedent setting actioa Codes serve the purpose of protecting the greater good of all the citizens of Orono. This is not a personal issue with the residents of 3535 Christine Drive. It is our hope that another way can be found to resolve their energy concerns. Thank you for hearing ours. Carlton and Marie Hagberg who reside at 3485 Christine Drive are on an extended trip I have contacted them and they share our concerns. Sincerely, 'Susan Manikowski 3505 Christine Drive Orono, Mn. 55359 476-2736