10-15-2007 Planning Commission Packet

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� �f��r�l - 1 . Melanie Curtis I From: Jim Zimmerman [Jimz@thezimmermangroup.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 1 j�11 AM To: Melanie Curtis =' Subject: Planning Commission Meetmg I'm sor that I will be unable o a ' I ry t ttend the Monday rnght Plannirlg 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 p iovide the summary I would have provided at the meeting. The key points that I would make are as follows: I • I have lived in this home for over 13 years and hope to live in i 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 hl ve yet to find anyone not totally supportive of it. • I know the City has a concern about my boathouse. I providedi 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, p�reventing 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 tF�em and the DNR the DNR's shoreline vegetation information materials. Following that program, I've added substantial shoreline plantin�s 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 th I architects b su estin ideas. Thanks much for that. Y 99 9 Melanie, I look forward to meeting you in person as the processll ontinues. If you have any questions for me, please don't hesitate to call. Jim Zimmerman The Zimmerman Group (952)470-8830,x139 I � � � I 1 �