03-10-2025 CC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mark & Mary Larson 366 North Arm Lane Orono, MN 55364 11/14/24 Re: Proposed Pass Property Development We have lived on North Arm Lane for nearly 39 years. We purchased our then dilapidated 120 year old farmhouse in 1986 when North Arm Lane was just a gravel roadbed, cows grazed on the adjoining property, wildlife was incredibly abundant, dark skies every night and very few neighbors. We consider it a blessing to have lived here and raise our four children in that idyllic setting. We were also fortunate over that time to develop a close friendship with Jean Armstrong (Carol Pass's mother) who was widowed and lived with her son Dick in the original homestead. We knew Jean well enough (and subsequently Carol Pass) to know they would never want their property to be developed as it was the subject of many conversations over the long time we have lived here. We were surprised and saddened to find out about this proposed development and the negative changes it will bring to our neighborhood. Having said that, we also want it known that we value the right of any property owner to sell, divide or develop their property as long as it would strictly conform to the Orono 2040 Comprehensive Plan in close coordination with the City of Orono. Our largest concern is the overall effect of the development and preserving as many of the incredible features of this property, the likes of which have all too easily and quickly disappeared from Orono. This property has steep slopes, big mature woods, abundant wildlife, a majority of wetlands, and drainage into, and access to, Lake Minnetonka. Also of concern are the inevitable damages to North Arm Lane that are sure to occur during construction and the plan for addressing that. Perhaps the current owners would consider reducing the home sites, for example down to 3 or 4 on larger acreage lots to reduce the amount of hard surface areas and mitigate at least some of the negative effects to the surrounding landowners, the land and wetlands and Lake Minnetonka that are sure to occur with this development. Again, we urge the city officials to strictly adhere to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan regarding all these facets of this very unique and special property. Lastly, our desire is that North Arm Lane itself will not be changed as a result of this proposed development. We are saddened to think of the added traffic and noise that will be added on our once quiet lane. North Arm Lane is narrower, by definition than most roads but when it occurs, cars have always safely passed by each other and do so at slower speeds and that's the beauty of it. People who live here drive slowly, some stop side by side and lower their windows to chat. Children safely play and bike on the lane. In the nearly four decades we have lived here there have been no vehicle accidents or injuries on North Arm Lane. Walkers, bikers and runners include North Arm Lane in their outings for its quiet beauty and to briefly escape North Arm Drive that is now more like a racetrack since the Lakeview development went in. We fear that this proposed development might lead to talk of change to the current roadbed resulting in a loss of character that makes the current lane so special. With regards to this we again reference again the 2040 Comprehensive Plan 1.2. "Rural developments will be limited to the extent that they can be served by the existing or planned public facilities and services. New development will not be permitted if it requires the extension of unplanned urban services into the rural area. Privately constructed and maintained roads and recreational facilities will be favored over requirements for additional public facilities". We would appreciate confirmation that there are no changes planned for North Arm Lane itself other than repairs for damages. Thank you for allowing us to submit our input regarding the proposed development. Mark & Mary Larson 285