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PC E�chibit F <br /> September 15,2016 <br /> Dear Ms. Curtis, <br /> Members of ti�e Planning Commission, <br /> Members af the City Council, <br /> Please accept this letter of support regardiag the guest residence conditional use permit and <br /> variance application of our neighbors Graham and Elizabeth Merry. Elizabeth is my si.ster and <br /> we purchascd our adjoining properties together in the spring of 2016. We snd the Merty's are <br /> botl�in the process of plan�itng our respective f�amily homes and we anxiously await the day <br /> when both families will call Orono our home. The proposed guest residence is intended to be <br /> shared by our faxn.ilies. The Merry's lot is larger than ours so we worked together to select a <br /> location on their lot that was most beneficial for both families and most respectful of our <br /> sunroimding neight�ors. V`'e support the proposed location and design for the following reasons: <br /> 1)The proposed location utilizes the natural cantours and slopes af the lot to visually minimize <br /> the height and massing of the structure. We find the natural slopes and contaurs beautiful and <br /> are appreoiative the Merry's are working to maint$in these nattzral featu�es rather than remove or <br /> aiter them. The ma�ority of the lower level is beneath grade witl�a tuck-under garage access. <br /> 'I'he alternate side yard and rear yard locations that wouldn't require a variance are more flat and <br /> would result in a structuce that appears rnuch taller. <br /> 2)The proposed location is the furthest from and least intrusive to neighboring homes as <br /> possible. Our neighbars have approved of this location by signing the Merry's letter of support. <br /> 3)The proposed location does not encroach an or affect the views of the wetiands f�r us or out <br /> neighbors. This was reaily important to us. We love the views out over the wetlands and a guest <br /> residence in a conforming location in the side or rear yard v�rould obstruct those sight lines. <br /> 4)The proposed stFueture�is much smaller than the maximum.all,owed size and incorporates a <br /> rural aes#hetic. We ack�nowledge and appreciate that the 1Vlerry's will incur significant additional <br /> expense to achieve an eftractive exterioF and a design fitting to the neighborhood. We are <br /> essentially the only neighbors that will see the guest house and we.approve of the design. <br /> Tha�lc ynu for your consideration of our support for this applicaf�on. <br /> Respectfully, <br /> ����.y..�___;� <br /> Laura&Brea Bohlander <br /> 540 Willow Dr S <br />