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PC Exhibit F September 15, 2016 Dear Ms. Curtis, Members of the Planning Commission, Members of the City Council, Please accept this letter of support regarding the guest residence conditional use permit and variance application of our neighbors Graham and Elizabeth Merry. Elizabeth is my sister and we purchased our adjoining properties together in the spring of 2016. We and the Merry's are both in the process of planning our respective family homes and we anxiously await the day when both families will call Orono our home. The proposed guest residence is intended to be shared by our families. The Merry's lot is larger than ours so we worked together to select a location on their lot that was most beneficial for both families and most respectful of our surrounding neighbors. We support the proposed location and design for the following reasons: 1) The proposed location utilizes the natural contours and slopes of the lot to visually minimize the height and massing of the structure. We find the natural slopes and contours beautiful and are appreciative the Merry's are working to maintain these natural features rather than remove or alter them. The majority of the lower level is beneath grade with a tuck -under garage access. The alternate side yard and rear yard locations that woul(&t require a variance are more flat and would result in a structure that appears much taller. 2) The proposed location is the furthest from and least intrusive to neighboring homes as possible. Our neighbors have approved of this location by signing the Merry's letter of support. 3) The proposed location does not encroach on or affect the views of the wetlands for us or our neighbors. This was really important to us. We love the views out over the wetlands and a guest residence in a conforming location in the side or rear yard would obstruct those sight lines. 4) The proposed structure is much smaller than the maximum allowed size and incorporates a rural aesthetic. We acknowledge and appreciate that the Mercy's will incur significant additional expense to achieve an attractive exterior and a design fitting to the neighborhood. We are essentially the only neighbors that will see the guest house and we approve of the design. Thank you for your consideration of our support for this application. Respectfully, Laura & Brett Bohlander 540 Willow Dr S