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r -T rC<T^C-^^px« ■ <br />1 <br />To encourage a situation in which anyone with the means and inclination <br />can redraw all the surrounding properties to their own liking, with <br />neighboring property ov\ ners having little or no voice or representation for <br />their interests and wishes, would likely lead to a form of anus race in which <br />ail property owners are forced to continuously jockey for agreements and <br />coalitions to deal with it. This would be required boUi of those desiring <br />change and those merely try ing to defend tlieir interests or the status quo. It <br />certainly could not be contributing to public peace and harmony or the <br />orderly development of the city'. It also would not be protecting the value of <br />the surrounding properties, the character, social, and economic stability ot <br />the city or neighborhoods. Such a system would certainly lead to conflict 'and <br />adversely affect property values and people's quality of life. This is not an <br />exaggeration at all, as it is exactly what our neighborhood is experiencing * <br />riaht now. I'm convinced that none of us are enjoying this situation or the <br />triciion, expense, uncertainty, stress, delayed projects, and other numerou.s <br />problems we are all currently having because of it. To continue this ill <br />advised and unfounded situation will certainly lead to even greater strife tor <br />all concerned. It is one thing to purcha.se numerous properties and own <br />them. !t is something totalh different to start can ing up a neighborhood and <br />redrawing it to your personal liking. ^ hat is the purpose of all of these <br />zoning law s and regulations but to avoid the.se types of conflicts. <br />Tliere is no way that an a\ erage homeowner would read y our City Codes <br />and ever think that these ty pes of subdivisions would be allowed. If the City <br />of Orono is now changing the codes or their interpretation or enforcement, <br />then it should be sure to explain this and promulgate all the details so that all <br />citizens can take advantage of it and seek similar subdi\'isions if they wish. <br />My family would have had numerous opportunities to pursue such <br />agreements if the City had made this clear in tlie past. Most resident.^ ha' c <br />understood the current regulations to mean that tor this area, in order to <br />subdivide your property at all, you would need two acres for your own <br />residence and at least tw o additional acres to subdivide. If this is not correct, <br />then I would very much like to have the correct detinition ot w'hat is <br />acceptable and what criteria and guidelines are used to evaluate the <br />applications in some equitable and cousistant fashion. <br />The City' Code clearly also requires the Commission and Council to <br />consider adjoining lands as yet not subdivided, which is absolutely not being <br />done in this series of applications. This is not a gray area, it is clearly <br />required of all subdi^’isions in the City of Orono. They require consideration <br />of the affects, in numerous facets, that any subdivision w ill have on <br />adjoining properties and the city as a w hole. Tliis will only' be possible by <br />3 <br />' <br />M