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� ( a � <br /> William H.and Laura D.Koch <br /> Variance Application <br /> 3251 Casco Cirole <br /> July 20,2011 <br /> Page 5 of 5 <br /> This is true. <br /> 12. "The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the <br /> applicant, but is necessary to alleviate demonstrable difficulty." <br /> Our driveway and steps/retaining wall are not currently working as intended. The <br /> driveway is crumbling and a bit treacherous. The steps are very treacherous. While we <br /> would love to not have to spend all of this money, we understand it really must be done— <br /> we would like to minimize even higher costs that would be incurred if these projects were <br /> done on a piece-meal manner. <br /> This consideration is not applicable to the patio. <br /> , <br /> Summary <br /> We would like to make repairs to our driveway and lake steps (and shoreline) to address <br /> inherent deficiencies on our property not of our making. The addition of the patio, which was <br /> included (at least in part) in plans originally approved by the City would allow us "to put to use <br /> the property in a reasonable manner" that "will not alter the essential character of the locality." <br /> Minn. Stat. § 394.27, subd. 7 (2011). We have attached the survey from May 2, 2006, which <br /> shows the small patio was approved at the time by the City, as well as a letter from Apri129, <br /> 2010 from the City saying such a patio could be constructed without a permit. <br /> Additionally, attached are the proposed plans for the projects, and a photo of the current <br /> retaining walls and steps to the lake (actually, these are from the early spring, and the condition <br /> of the retaining walls and steps have not improved). <br /> We have attempted to bring the best contractors to the task— contractors who understand <br /> the importance of a lakefront lot, and contractors who have experience in the local community <br /> and with the City. <br /> We are responsible stewards of the environment and take that responsibility seriously. In <br /> addition to moving to Orono for the nature and the lake, we have long championed <br /> environmental issues — not only in our choice of two hybrid cars (beginning even before they <br /> were "fashionable"),but also in much of at least one of our careers as an environmental criminal <br /> prosecutor and litigator, as well as training as a civiUenvironmental engineer. We want to do <br /> what is right by the lake and the environment—of course, we would also like to be able to have a <br /> smooth and appropriate access to our own garage, a safe passage to the lake, and be able to enjoy <br /> outdoor lake living like all of our neighbors. These are not mutually exclusive goals. <br /> We look forward to answering any question the Planning Commission or the City <br /> Council may have. <br /> ����e��� <br /> ,II i� 19 2011 <br /> CITY O�ORON4 <br />