08-20-2007 Planning Commission Packet

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� , �� / � �) l �� ' Melanie Curtis From: Jim Zimmerman [Jimz@thezimmermangroup.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 10:11 AM To: Melanie Curtis Subject: Planning Commission Meeting I'm sorry that I will be unable to attend the Monday night Planning Commission Meeting on the 20th. I know a representative or representatives from Lake Country Builders will be there. Since I won't be able to attend, I thought it might be helpful to provide the summary I would have provided at the meeting. The key .,_points that I would make are as follows: • I have lived in this home for over 13 years and hope to live in it for 20-30 more years. The changes I'd like to make are not for resale purposes. •My lot is very unique and almost totally nonconforming. •The driveway and dock easement with my neighbors forces a majority of the hardcover to be driveway. I think there is real opportunity to cut that down and actually reduce hardcover from current levels even with the house expansion. • I've reviewed the plans with almost all of my neighbors and I have yet to find anyone not totally supportive of it. • I know the City has a concern about my boathouse. I provided the architect background on that issue,which I know they sent on to you. In my six-home immediate neighborhood,the original plan was to have no docks on the lake side. The three houses that go over to the Narrows all had outlots for boat docks in the channel. They have been sold off over time. My house and my immediate 2 neighbors had easements attached to the driveway easement, preventing us from having docks on the lake side. If the boathouse went,there'd be no choice but to put a dock off the end of the point. If the goal is to improve appearances, I think that would be far worse. When I raised the issue of putting in a dock off the point years ago,the neighbors'reaction was very negative. • I'm a lifetime member of Wildlife Forever and developed with them and the DNR the DNR's shoreline vegetation information materials. Following that program, I've added substantial shoreline plantings and as part of the new project,would work with Wildlife Forever to add effective and efficient rain garden elements. ' I understand you have been very helpful in the meetings with the architects by suggesting ideas. Thanks much for that. Melanie, I look forward to meeting you in person as the process continues. If you have any questions for me,please don't hesitate to call. Jim Zimmerman The Zimmerman Group (952)470-8830,x139 1