02-18-2025 Planning Commission Packet (2)

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Pass Property Development – Idyllvale Shores Project From Jeff & Pat Thull 612-325-3438 210 - 270 North Shore Drive West We just became aware of the application for development of three properties, one of which adjoins the east border of our property, which we purchased July 2011. We met Carol Pass in 2013, deceased owner of the proposed development property when she approached us regarding the development of the Bayside Meadows property also bordering each of our properties. She expressed her concerns that the development would impact the wetlands on her property (ironically now proposed for development). She asked us to support her efforts to approach the Lake Minnetonka Watershed District to prevent or restrict the Bayside Development plan due to the impact it would have on the Pass property. Now we see a proposal for 5 more homes and associated hardscapes draining into and encroaching on the same property she wanted to preserve. She was very emphatic on her intentions to not develop her property. At the time we expressed our interest in buying the 5-acre parcel next to us from her to assure it would remain undeveloped. She told us of her plan to preserve the wooded area. The appraised value of $10,000 for the parcel adjoining our property suggested to us that the woods were in some type of preservation program. We were quite surprised and disappointed when we received the notice regarding the development and recalled her being adamant that it would never be developed. Sadly, we found out it was being developed after she passed away earlier this year. The following are our concerns on the development of this property: • The development appears to place two, 24’ wide roads and two, 50’ cul-de-sacs in this small land area • The heavy hardscape of the roads and cul-de-sac will only service 5 home sites • One of the roadways will be placed along the border of current homes. This does not comply with the intent of the Orono 2040 Comprehensive Plan “Care will be exercised to ensure that no new development encroaches upon its neighbor’s open space activities.” • Why is one 50’ cul de sac squeezed between or infringing on the wetlands and servicing only one of the five lots? • Removal of heavy tree cover which currently supports 8-12 deer including two does who each had twins this year, turkeys roosting in the trees and a rare Great Gray owl currently protected by the MN DNR in the Superior National Forest. Wildlife managers and foresters are currently working towards protecting nesting areas across Minnesota. We see the owl and hear its hooting regularly. 178