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From:James Neilson <br />To:Melanie Curtis <br />Subject:Idyllvale Shores <br />Date:Friday, November 15, 2024 7:07:35 AM <br />Hello Melanie - <br />Thank you for sending the information on the proposed development. I will be out of town on <br />the meeting date so I would like for this correspondence to serve as my comments and position <br />for the record. <br />Overall, I believe the plan represents a total disconnect from the City's fundamental <br />underlying principles, goals and philosophy for growth management. The construction of two <br />long cul-de-sac roadways to serve five homesites is blatantly intrusive, Especially the east to <br />west cul-se-sac that ravages the property line with the neighbors living south of the <br />development. The removal of 419 of a total of 1306 significant trees is a gross injustice to this <br />beautiful natural environment and is really quite astonishing and insulting. I see nothing in this <br />plan that conforms to the City's commitment -- . "Orono will retain its own special identity <br />through careful growth management in the best interest of the environment, the natural <br />resources, the watershed of Lake Minnetonka and the community of citizens, both present and <br />future." <br />The proposed lot 5 is next door to my home at 340 North Arm Lane. Everything about the lot <br />5 development looks like a disaster. The house pad is right up against the wetland buffer at the <br />rear and right up against the side yard setback to the south against my property. The septic <br />drainfield appears to actually encroach into the wetland buffer. The amount of grading work <br />that cuts out the area for the housepad and driveway is severe. The infiltration basin wedged in <br />between the house pad and the property line is in an insane location. How can these areas <br />remain safe, stabilized and protected? Massive tree removal and earth excavation on lot 5 will <br />wipe out any buffer that might have existed between our homes and deny us our pastoral <br />views causing an irreparable detrimental effect. This proposed lot 5 development is not in <br />accordance with the City's vision for responsible development, protection of natural amenities <br />and is not in the best interest of the environment, the natural resources, the watershed of Lake <br />Minnetonka and of the surrounding properties and neighbors. I believe the developer is <br />pushing the limits of site accommodation here and the City needs to be steadfast in its resolve <br />to protect our natural amenities, safeguard the woodland wildlife habitat and preserve the <br />quality of life of the existing immediate neighbors. <br />I urge the City to exercise overwhelming prudence in their review of this proposed <br />development, This area is very environmentally sensitive as the entire valley bordered by <br />North Arm Drive W on the west and Bayside Road on the north drains to the southeast <br />through the property into Lake Minnetonka. It is a huge watershed. This is a delicate and very <br />important natural resource. Furthermore, several adjacent property owners have established <br />homes that are vulnerable to the overdevelopment character of this proposed development. <br />Please act to preserve and protect the established character and vital natural amenities of this <br />site and to protect the individual interests of the immediate neighbors and all Orono citizens. <br />Thank you, <br />James Neilson <br />180