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DOUGLAS J. BELL <br />2705 WALTERS PORT LANE <br />EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 <br />612-471-8070 <br />Jeanne A. Mabusth <br />Buildine & Zonine Administrator <br />City of Orono <br />2750 Kelley Parkway, <br />P.O. Box 66 <br />Crystal Bay, MN 55323 <br />1 1956 <br />Dear Ms. Mabusth, <br />Thank you for the recent Planning Commission notice sent to my attention regarding the <br />upcoming May 20, 1996 planning commission meeting. In particular, I would like to direct my <br />comments to Item #5 entitled "#2137 William and Susan Dunkley - 2709 Walters Port Lane". <br />This past summer, 1995, the Dunkley's had the unenviable task of rebuilding the SW comer of <br />there home because of some stmctural problems that had occurred due to settlement. In a very <br />open and transparent manner they informed their neighbors of their problems and solicited our <br />comments regarding the repairs necessary to correct this problem. In addition, they asked for <br />any other comments that we might have regarding overall improvements to their home. <br />Due to the extensive amount of work that needed to be done to complete the repairs it was <br />necessary that they rebuild a rock retaining wall and small patio adjacent to the structural <br />damage of their home It was at this point that the Dunkley's engaged the services of costly <br />professionals to assist them with the structural engineering, soils testing, architectural design, <br />and landscaping design to bring together a well thought-out plan for the overall improvement of <br />their propeny <br />During the course of this design particular emphasis was given to the stringent requirements of <br />the City regarding setbacks, and hardcover issues They have reduced their overall hardcover <br />and have taken every step possible to add additional landscaping and green area to the lot area <br />The design also took into account the upgrading that was necessary to take care of outdated and <br />obsolete functional design and uses. In other words, they attempted and I believe succeeded in <br />bringing the home from the 1960's in appearance into the 1990's while still attempting to meet <br />the "spirit" of the zoning ordinances that apply to residences such as theirs and mine in this area <br />X <br />As a neighbor, two homes away, I believe that the Dunkley's have attempted to satisfy all the <br />city requirements within reason, that any owner of a 1960's built house on an irregular shaped lot <br />being repaired and upgraded to 1990's design and functional use can possibly do.