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June 17, 2005 <br /> To: Orono P1aiuling Conunission <br /> Re: 1146 Wildhurst <br /> File# 3100 <br /> Tom Kellogg and I inspected this site and proposed some concepts that would lessen tlie <br /> impacts of the proposed house on the neighborhood and on Lake Mimietonka. <br /> 1. If the wall is allowed at the property line it should be extended slightly oiito the <br /> neighbors lot and an easement should be granted making tlie builder responsible for the 5 feet <br /> tllat should be on his lot and for the plantings to screen the wall <br /> 2. Something,perhaps a water gaxden, should be built at the base of the hill to dissipate <br /> the energy from the run-off. <br /> None of these ideas have been included in the inost recent design, which is probably the <br /> worst attempt so far. <br /> The wall: <br /> I know of no instance where the City has allowed a wall parallel to the lot line to be so <br /> close to the lot line. This wall is as much as 10 feet tall and adjacent to the line. A fence could <br /> only be 6 feet tall at this location. <br /> At 3235 Casco Circle a 4 foot wall to make a garage usable was allowed tluee feet froin <br /> the property line oi�ly with special drainage and plantings at the base of the wall. If this wall is <br /> allowed adjacent to the line there will be no place for plantings to screen it. Should this neighbor <br /> be respoiisible for planting and taking care of plants on their property? <br /> At 4753 North Shore Dr a wall to create a wider landing by a front door was not allowed <br /> fewer than 5 feet from the line. <br /> This large retaining wall is only necessary because tlie house is proposed with a walkout <br /> elevation approximately 8 feet higher than the existing house and with a terraced yard outside the <br /> walkout which is also 8 feet higher than existing yard. Why would a design feature justify a wall <br /> setback variance. <br /> Drainage: <br /> A lot of water ends up at the bottoin of this hill in a heavy rain. How will tlle energy <br /> from this water be dealt with to prevent serious erosiou at the Lake. The drainage oii this <br /> di�cult lot was previously inaiiitained only with constant attention by the home owner. Lack of <br /> maintenance together with clearcutting of slopes has already warsened drainage problems. This <br /> yard will only be successfiil with carefitl attention to details. <br /> Bruce V,rig <br /> `�..� • <br /> Building Inspector <br />