06-11-1990 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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NEIL D. MEKKILA RONALD J. JOHNSON or COUNSEL May 25, 1990 UL -NEIL D. HEIKKILA & ASSOCIATES. LTD. ATTORNEYS AT LAW SECOND rLDQR-HOPKINS OrriCE CENTER 33 TENTH avenue SOUTH HOPKINS.MINNESOTA S53A3 (6 I 2)93S-2265 [QUCBQ^ lAY ?'9 1990City Council City of Orono P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN 55323 RE:Planning Commission Action Item No. 1502 Michael Hilbelink, 2180 Prospect Avenue Variances Dear City Council Members; T am writing you on behalf of my clients, Mr. and Mrs. Alex J. Jentilucci, who live at 1295 Briar Street.As my clients and I have advised the City of Orono Planning Commission and City Council previously, we have concerns regarding the "Hilbelink" property, which abutts Mr. and Mrs. Jentilucci's property on the north and Prospect Avenue on the oa»4 . SCurv- The Planning Commission, on April 16, 1990, refused to grant Mr. Hilbelink side setback variances because he did not have specific plans for a house, but did determine that the lot was buildable. Mr. Hilbelink brought the matter before the Planning Commission again on May 21, 1990, again seeking side setback variances. Mr, Hilbelink presented a drawing of a home, including basic dimensions of the home. The information presented by Mr. Hilbelink was certainly not the specific building and founaation plans and drawings that we anticipated would be required before the Planning Commission approved side setback variances. Nevertheless, the Planning Commission approved the side setback variances, although somewhat less than Mr. Hilbelink requested and less than what is required for the house plan presented. As we advised the Planning Commission at its April and May meetings, we are concerned that; (a)The area v;here Mr. Hilbelink proposes to build the house was formerly considerably lower in elevation remainder of that lot and substantially lower ^han the Jentilucci lot, but its elevation was increased when it was filled by the City of Orono. The ground is disturbed in that area. Also, building of the home would appear to necessitate further changes in elevation as well as changes in drainage patterns of water which could cause further drainage problems, and which could put the Jentilucci property at greater risk. (b)The proposed house would face Briar Street (as opposed to Prospect Avenue as was previously the case). A long, narrow house style appears inconsistent with the lot itself. J*?® variances would not appear to have been required had a different style been used and/or the house placed in a different location