Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 16, 2002 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#8) #02-2827 SVEN GUSTAFSON, 4515 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Continued <br /> Neighbor across the street, Kathy Sawicki, 4520 North Shore Drive, commented that she was <br /> surprised to hear that the City had no requirement about combining these two lots. As the <br /> recipient of the Tonkaview runoff at her front door, Ms. Sawicki was concerned about the <br /> amount of additional runoff that would be created by two homes instead of one on this site. In <br /> her view, this development was a threat to her property, property that has recently become a <br /> pond due to the water levels. Ms. Sawicki demanded to see the water management and drainage <br /> plans including swales. <br /> Mr. J. Gustafson indicated that, normally, he would like to have addressed the neighbors <br /> concerns ahead of time, answering any questions they might have. Not being given this <br /> opportunity, Mr. Gustafson stated that he would be meeting with Hennepin County to address <br /> drainage issues along North Shore Drive and plans to have those details worked out before <br /> obtaining his permits. <br /> Chair Smith encouraged Mr. Gustafson to speak with some of the neighbors about these issues. <br /> Mr. Gustafson indicated that he would do so and has staff to address these types of concerns. <br /> Harold Albrecht, 4545 North Shore Drive, voiced his objection to the subdivision of these two <br /> lots. As owner of an acre lot in this one-acre district, Mr. Albrecht was concerned over the <br /> compaction problems being caused by overdeveloping the cove. He pointed out that, initially, <br /> the neighbors were told there was one buyer for the two lots and he believed Mr. Gustafson <br /> obtained an additional buyer and is selling the other lot. He argued that adding two houses will <br /> only increase the runoff issues and erosion problems. If the City truly wanted to save the lake, <br /> isn't this why they designated the area a one acre district, in order to preserve natural resources. <br /> Mr. Albrecht believed he would be losing value in his property if the City allowed this <br /> development.to occur. <br /> Mr. Gustafson maintained that the City wasn't allowing him to subdivide the property, these <br /> were two lots. He pointed out that, originally, he had looked into purchasing the vacant lot; <br /> however, Mr. Lund purchased this parcel and he the other. <br /> John Bessesen, 4500 North Shore Drive, stated that he had assumed the property was one parcel. <br /> As owner of one of the truly one acre lots, with 147' of lakeshore, he questioned whether there <br /> should be restrictions on the number of boats allowed on smaller lakeshore lots. He was <br /> concerned that the new neighbors would be stewards of the lake. <br /> Rahn reiterated that the City is not splitting the two lots, they were never legally combined. <br /> Gaffron pointed out that the LMCD is charged with regulating dock setbacks, number of boats, <br /> canopy systems, etc. He stated that it would be precedent setting for a City to limit the number <br /> of boats on a 50' lot when they have never done so before. <br /> PAGE 14 <br />