08-11-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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sJUL-—©3 I 1 -4 PM «.12 ©27 ©9*3©oi Tobin J D ayton ib^5 Fox Ridge Poad Long Lakl Ml^4^lCSoTA 5GJbC / July 20, 1997 Orono Planrung Commission 2750 Kelley Parkway. P.O. Bok 66 Crystal Bay. MN 55323 Dear Planning Commission, express my opinions regardmg the land use application #2259 submitted by Mark and Laurie Headrick. As the neighbor most directly impacted by the application, I hope that my input is given consideration. For a variety of reasons described below, I am opposed to the Headrick's request to extend their house to within five feel of tlic property line between our lots. Most importantly, I foci that extending their house dramatically closer to my house would have a tremendously negative impact not only on my property, but on the neighborhood as a whole. The distance between our house? is already the smallest in the neighborhood by quite a significant distance, and the requested change would obviously further reduce that distance. From an aesthetic standpoint, moving the Headrick's gara^^e even closer to the property line would detract from the overaU appeal of the Fox Ridge Road neighborhood. From an economic standpoint, I am concerned that the proposed change would reduce the overall value of my property which may, in turn, reduce the value of each properly on the street. A nurnber of additional concerns h» ’ also lead to my opiiiion regarding the proposed land use application. The Headricks have experienced a nur. of problems relating to their septic system which sits low'ards the back of their lot. Given the uncertainty surrounding what will happen with the installation of municipal sewer in our neighborhood, in terms of both the time-frame and the financial implications, I feel it is premature to allow an addition as significant as the one proposed to proceed. Secondly, T am concerned tliat the proposed addition to the Headrick's house is, at best, a temporary solution to their needs and tl»at they will eventually be forced to move even if the addition b approved. The result is that each homeowner suffers from an irreversible and highly undesirable change in the nature, feel, and value of the neighborhood. After having reviewed the application, talked with Mike Gaffron, and only recently seen and discus.^cd the plans with the Headricks, I am unconviiKCd that the Headricks have met any of the conditior\s necessary in proving hardship. Wltile I can certainly understand the reasons behind their request, 1 do not feel that specific family needs nor particular economic factors should play any role in arriving at a decision regarding the request. Specific circumstances relating to a particular family are temporarj*, wliile changes to a house, a lot, and a neighborhood are entirely permanent. V For these reasons, I am opposed to the requested application submitted by the Headricks. As I explained to Mike Gaffron over the phone last week, my family and I moved from Kenwood to Long Lake for a variety of reasons, one important one being the spacious, aesthetic appeal of ownUlg a lot with more than two acres of land. Tin’ proposed addition to the Headrick's house dramatically reduces the overall appeal of both my lot and the neighborhood as a whole. I appreciate having the opportunity to express my concerns and I thank the City of Orono and the Planning Commission for taking the tinic to review my input. 1 will be attending the meeting on Monday night to answer any questions or concerns that anyone might have regarding my feelings on the land use application. RECEIVED JUL 2 11997 CITY OF ORONO f •• t 4 i i 4