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Jeremy Barnhart From: Alex Ware Sent: Friday, July 15, 2016 10:44 AM To: Jeremy Barnhart Subject: Re: 16-3847 To: Orono Council, Planning Commission and Jeremy Barnhart From: Alex and Amy Ware, 2587 Kelly Ave. Re: #16-3827 Rick Denman/Cudd/DDK; 2525 Kelly and 2535-2545 Shadywood We appreciate the need for more housing in Orono and recognize the quality building reputation of Charles Cudd. However, this area of Kelly Ave has been the subject of much development attention in the past few years, and ultimately, in our view, this area is largely unbuildable without significantly altering the character and quality of the neighborhood. The slope of the hillside is too steep to build upon without major changes that will result in diminished values for the surrounding neighbors. We have two areas of specific concern with the proposed project: 1) The deforestation and re -grading of the Kelly hillside leading to erosion, flooding, noise, loss of habitat and unsightly views of houses instead of woods. The site plan shows that 3 of the 7 homes are to be built on the Kelly parcel which currently has 1 home/acre zoning. In addition to the greater density, the hillside site has an elevation change of over 20 feet which will likely need to be regraded, thereby eliminating virtually all of the woods that are now present on the property. Also the establishment of drainage ponds will further the deforestation on the site, leading to greater annual flooding on Kelly due to the faulty drainage system in place. The potential for significant screening of the homes by maintaining the woods would be best, but its unclear given the hillside pitch, how such screening would be feasible. We fully realize that there is a need in Orono for the housing that they propose, but the Kelly parcel is so steeply pitched that it is not well suited for development. 2) The implications of re -zoning the Kelly parcel, which may set the precedent that allows further development of the hillside. The project manager describes the rezoning request as unique to this parcel, however will these zoning changes not create a domino effect? I will not be able to attend the meeting on Monday as I'm out of town, but spoke with Jeremy regarding our concerns. Please let me know if you have any questions on these concerns. Thank you all for your service to Orono and your consideration. AIex and Amy Ware 2587 Kelly Ave 612-875-9363 On Fri, Jul 15, 2016 at 9:48 AM, Jeremy Barnhart <'barnhartnci.orono-mn.us> wrote: Jeremy Barnhart, AICA Community Development Director Direct 952,2A.9A.(,,2 Planning & Zoning Office r