10-26-1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 22, 1998 Orono City Council Dear Council members: On October 19, 1998, we appeared before the Orono Planning Commission seeking approval of variances for the construction of a garage on our propert>\ The Planning Commission approved tlie building of a garage on the condition that we purchase an adjoining parcel of tax forfeited land. We purchased our home on December 31,1996, without a garage but with an understanding that we would be able to build a garage. We were specifically told by the sellers and their realtor that the City would approve construction of a garage. We called the City to verify this, but were told that such information is not available until an application is made. It was not until w'e commenced the application for variance process that we learned of several problems which existed on our land. First, we learned that our home sits on a lot which is already in violation of current Orono zoning regulations. By the mere nature of our small lot, there is not enough land for our home. Second, we learned just two days prior to our initial hearing in front of the Planning Commission on September 21,1998 that the previous owners had applied for a variance on our property in 1991 for the construction of a deck. The City Council approved the variance, but apparently required the previous owners to sign an agreement stating that they acknowledged that the Cit>- Council would look unfavorably upon approval of additional variances or construction on the propert>’. We were given a copy of this agreement and after reading it learned that the agreement was to be included with any title to the property so that any future owners would be made aware to the City Council ’s position. The previous owners did not tell us about this agreement, and it did not appear in any of the title papers when we purchased the house. We are willing to purchase the adjoining lot and are willing to pay fair vaiue for the lot. We feel that if we do purchase the lot, the City will be able to collect future ta.xes on a parcel of land that has sat tax-free for eighteen years. We respectfully request you approve the variance so we can build a garage on the condition we purchase the adjoining lot. Sincerely, UHHOdABtAM 1 m #Paul and Megan Beimett 500 Hanlon Avenue uatfl