06-20-2011 Planning Commission Packet

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Applicant/owner has been in partial residence and other owner in full residence on the property for two winters. Three serious falls have been experienced; the first by the applicant/owner on the uncovered walkway during icy conditions which required a hospital visit and days off work,the second by a visitor on the uncovered steps, and the third by a visitor down the stairway which resulted in injury. In addition a number of near-falls have occurred, and a number of head-bumpings have been experienced on the stairways. For any elderly occupants andlor guests,the likelihood of very serious injury during falls is . increased. The proposed addition has been designed to make the property materially safer for residents, guests, and visitors. Thus,the granting of the variance is necessary to alleviate demonstrable hardship and di�culty. Only with a variance can the safety issues be addressed. Additional Statement: Owners have considered whether less costly ways to alleviate the safety concerns could be realized,but have concluded there is no more practical way. There is not space in the current location of the stairs to make them safer; they must be moved. A simple"covered bridge"to the garage was considered. However,this would neither provide space for safe stairways, nor maintain the character of the buildings—thus impairing the essential character of the locality. The proposed shed is also a safety issue. A lawn and garden equipment shed south of the current garage � is necessary to provide direct access to the lawn area and prevent moving such equipment on the public roadway. Although owners have a proposed location for the shed, owners understand that there may be alternative locations for the shed south of the current garage that would also achieve owners' safety objectives related to the shed. ��CEIi/ED MAY 16 20i1 ��TV'OF ORONO � � r•: �fJ