09-28-1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Nf. \IC- September 20,1998 Mayor Jabbour 2750 Kelly Parkway P.O Box 66 Crystal Bay, Miimesota 55323 Dear Mayor Jabbour, Members of the Orouo City Council, Members of the Orooo Planning Commission, and Zoning Administr^ors, My name is Susan Manikowski. My husband Joe Manikowski and 1 live at 3505 Christine Drivj, next door to 3535 Christine Drive. I would like to give input regarding your d^ion concerning the variance request (#2420) for a ninety-foot wind generator to be erected at 3535 Christine Drive. Three and one half years ^ we moved from C.olden Valley to Orono. The reasons we choose this area are clear to us. ChrisUne Drive is a quiet private road. We were anxious to have the beauty of natrw arou^ us. We wanted to excape the increasing noise level of 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 willmgto take on a much higher tax bill Because of purposed variance #2420 all of these reasons seem to be m some jeopaixfy. A ninety-foot wind generator will cleariy be out of character with the neighborhood, ft is an eye sw and will have a negative effect on the neighborhood, ft will be in view from any area on the backside of om home and also will greet anyone driving up to the front entrance. We often have windows open at mght w sit on our deck to enjoy the quiet Wind generators have a continuous hum that would take ^^m this experience and not allow us to have windows open day 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 m the area) tower that would also shine in our windows at night Our home value will certamly decrease. All of these issues concern us. I have caUed World Power Technologies Inc. The purposed wind tower is ninety feet high a^ reqi^ a ninety-foot diameter circle at iu base created by its guide wires. We have a concern about Ae location of those wires. Ifthestructure 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 Techno ogiw Inc representative said, “these are almost always rural installations because suburban areas do not aUow 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. size draw lightning strikes. Lighting then goes to the highest point available, m this case, the wlar roots on any of the homes on Christine Drive that would oack up to it We feel this is a very real safety hazard and could effect homeowner’s insurance rues We are asking that you deny variance request #2420 and do not take any precederit setting action Codes serve the purpose of protecting the greater good of all the citizens of Orono. This is not a person^ iMue with the residents of 3535 Christine Drive, ft is our hope that another way can be found to resolve their ----»ms. Thank you for hearing ours.energy-------- 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, ir'Susan Manikowski 3505 Christine Drive Orono, Mrt 55359 \