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1 + <br /> MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 20, 2010 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Schussler stated he cannot imagine a hardship case being more applicable than their situation. <br /> The house has been homesteaded. <br /> Schussler indicated that Sunhi Ryan was attacked three weeks ago in downtown Minneapolis <br /> while performing her job as a real estate agent and has been living in fear since then. The <br /> attached garage would offer her some security. In addition,not having a garage is a hardship <br /> given the winters here in Minnesota. If they had lmown that they would not be able to have a <br /> garage,they would not have purchased the property. <br /> Schussler stated in his view the variance for the garage should be approved not only for hardship <br /> reasons but also because of tax reasons and that the house is worthless without a garage. All the <br /> other neighbors within a five block area do not have a garage. They were told by the real estate <br /> agent and the City that a garage existed previously and was removed due to its deteriorated <br /> condition. They have cleaned up the property and are good stewards of the property. <br /> Schussler indicated he has read the MN Supreme Court ruling and understands the law. <br /> Schussler stated in his opinion a house without a garage is useless and that he would request the <br /> Planning Commission to find that a hardship does exist. <br /> Sunhi Ryan stated from a safety point of view, a garage is necessary. This is a year-round home, <br /> and without a garage,it would be difficult to live in the house. Ryan commented that having to <br /> park the vehicles outside and then having to dig them out following a snowfall will be difficult <br /> and make it hard to get to work. Ryan indicated security is a major issue and that she would like <br /> to have an attached garage to provide a sense of security both physically and emotionally. <br /> Kang asked the applicants to explain the necessity of the porch. <br /> Schussler stated their main concern is the garage and that they would be willing to eliminate the <br /> porch in order to be able to construct the garage. They are willing to wait until the Supreme <br /> Court ruling is changed to construct the porch. <br /> Feuss asked when the house was purchased. <br /> Ryan indicated they purchased the property at the end of December 2009. The house is their <br /> primary residence. <br /> Schussler stated they did not move in until March after the snow melted. They have constructed a <br /> fence around the property, added shutters to the house, and have cleaned up the property. <br /> Schoenzeit asked where the original garage was located. <br /> Curtis illustrated on the overhead the location of the previous garage. <br /> Feuss asked if the original garage was a detached garage. <br /> Curtis indicated it was. ' <br /> Page 2 <br />