|
.
<br /> in your letter to me,you state in the first paragraph,back in 1998,the property was approved and granted "o
<br /> variance... hardcover was meosured at 48.6%where 35%is ollowed." In the four page 'copy of Reso/ution No.
<br /> 4133", I bring special attention to page 2, number 4.,where it states "The City Council finds thar the conditions
<br /> existing on this property are peculiar to it and do not app/y generally to other property in this zoning district;that
<br /> granting the variances wou/d noi adverse/y affect traffic conditions,light,air nor pose a fire hazard or other danger
<br /> to neighboring property,•would not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant but is necessary to a/leviate a
<br /> demonstrated hardship or difficulty;is necessary to preserve a substantia/property right of the applicant;and
<br /> wou/d be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Zoning Code and Comprehensive P/an of the City." On October
<br /> 3, 2011, I stood at the administrative desk,where Orono Administrative workers reviewed with me personally,this
<br /> Resolution and survey information prior to my purchasing this property. After reviewing this approved 1998
<br /> Resolution,originally submitted to The City of Orono(by Stephanie Kroeger), it was clear to me then and clear to
<br /> me now,that the Orono Planning Commission voted unanimously on July 20, 1998,to recommend to the Orono
<br /> City Councif-a variance for additional hardcover for my property. This is good news to me,because it clearly
<br /> states that the total hardcover for mv propertv at 3465 Crvstal Place, has alreadv been approved bv the CitV of
<br /> Orono back in 1998, "to ollow 48.6%hardcover within the 500-1000'lakeshore setback zone where onlv 35%
<br /> hardcover is allowed."
<br /> You stated in your letter to me that Orono did not have record of this existing pfatform—no pictures. Yet,upon
<br /> visiting my property,or driving by,all city workers from Orono could clearly see my workers and I having lunch on
<br /> the front portion of the existing curved platform,almost daily. All workers witnessed Orono's City trucks driving by
<br /> my property,often. On March 26,2012 one Orono worker decided to not only drive by my property several times,
<br /> but a City worker got out of his City truck and walked up my driveway only to turn around and walk back to his
<br /> truck. Not once did he knock on my door or identify why he was at 3465 Crystal Place. If The City of Orono chose
<br /> not to take pictures or videos of my property on the days that they showed up,then what can I do about that? I
<br /> just want to complete this renovation project, by building a new floating platform that adds greater curb appeal to
<br /> the neighborhood.
<br /> After many hours of research at the library, looking at the City of Orono website and also at the State of Minnesota
<br /> building site, I have become even more aware of the process. Since there was a greater"approved"hardcover
<br /> percentage,prior to us removing a 12'x 16'cement slab, I did not foresee any issues with my platform plan. But
<br /> now,this work stoppage order has caused additional stress,wasted time,and good building materials are being
<br /> ruined-at my expense. The head of your inspection department, Lyle,stood right next to the new platform
<br /> foundation and personally witnessed that we are not adding hardcover,simply building directly over the existing
<br /> landscape rocks and bushes. He even commented we are doing a wonderful job with the property. Yet,he red
<br /> tagged my project and threatened to call Orono Police on my workers—if they continued replacing the old curved
<br /> platform. This reaction was completely surprising to my workers, but we have stopped building as he ordered.
<br /> My primary goal is to successfully complete this well-planned platform project. Since purchasing this property,I
<br /> have overseen every aspect of this process and I am delighted with the outcome. There is only one remaining
<br /> project,the plan to replace the existing curved platform structure with a new rectangular platform,which will
<br /> enhance the north side of this property. This plan will meld new plants and shrubs with a rectangular 16'x 9'
<br /> platform that is less than 30 inches high,and has no railings.
<br /> Please let me know as soon as possible how and when I can move forward with this final project.
<br /> T�k you for your ti, e with this matter.
<br /> 1
<br /> Ren Laleman
<br /> (� i a- ��Ib- v5�>
<br />
|