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currently. The current home has very low ceilings an d very shallow framing members, <br />typical at the time of its build in 1955. The proposed home, designed to contemporary <br />standards, necessitates grading for a deeper basement structure. This grading addresses a previously filled area, returning it to natural topography. This area was initially filled when the existing home was built to support the elevation of the current walk out basement, as evidenced by the current retaining wall. This wall will be removed and the bluff will be returned to the more natural topography that existed be fore the current home was built. The current home has a dangerously steep driveway with a 10%-12.5% grade where the driveway splits from the shared portion which is used by the property owner to the east. <br />Most cities do not permit a driveway steeper than 10% due to both occupant safety, as well <br />as safety of fire, rescue and first responders. The homeowners are very interested in <br />improving the safety of the driveway as they sadly, h ave personal experience of a dear <br />friend who perished in an automobile accident sliding off an embankment. To improve this condition, the proposed home has been set ~2’ lower than the existing. <br />This allows the driveway to be reduced to an ~8% maxim um grade. In addition, the <br />proposal provides for a shoulder or curbing to be placed o n the bluff side, providing a safer margin between the driveway and the bluff as well as a curb to prevent sliding off. The <br />homeowners are also keenly interested in bluff preserv ation and the driveway and related <br />curbing will be also utilized to capture rainwater an d direct it away from eroding the bluff. <br />Due to the home being set lower on the lot, the home will more naturally integrate into the <br />lot and onto the bluff. This is a reasonable variance to the bluff setback, with a driveway <br />plan that is very close to identical to the current si tuation, but with improvements to the <br />slope of the driveway to make it safer. This is a rea sonable proposal. The proposed pathway to the lakeshore enhances safety b y eliminating a hazardous <br />switchback, providing a wider and safer access route. This is reasonable. We appreciate your careful consideration of this applic ation, recognizing its potential to <br />contribute to the improvement and safety of the communi ty. If you have any questions or <br />require further details, please do not hesitate to contact us. Peter Eskuche Eskuche Design Group 612-296-7575 103