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7a. Public comments re Lamar variancesPublic Comments Regarding the Werb and Walker Variance Applications on Lamar Avenue October 2, 2020 We have concerns about building 2 permanent residences on pieces of property that are 0.1 of an acre in size. Granted, this area has parcels zoned of this size, that zoning was done many years ago with seasonal cabins in mind. Where many structures didn’t have septic or running water. This area has changed dramatically over the years since zoning occurred. Rather than trying to cram 2 residents onto parcels that aren’t big enough to support them, I think the planning commission could be looking at rezoning. Instead you are suggesting approval for 2 homes that will be 14-16 feet apart between the structures and within 7-8 feet of the neighboring property line. My concerns are around property values, infrastructure to support and erosion or collapse of the hillside behind. We have multiple incidences we can reference in this area where a variance was granted, and the result was not a good outcome. Example 1: The new house on the backside of the same hill on Langly Ave N is being built on an actively running stream under the house, mud is continually pouring into the street from the runoff. The hillside continues to collapse and drop trees into the new structure. And there is no room for parking on the street because the street is too narrow. When there are vehicles in the street one car can barely get around the parked vehicles without hitting the mailbox across the street. Example 2: On Layton Ave N a very large house was built on a narrow parcel on the lake. That structure required an enormous amount of fill to raise the land. That build resulted in the neighboring houses experiencing flooding in their basements every time it rains. These are examples of houses being built with variances on pieces of property that were too small and not appropriate to sustain the structures. In the staff report there is a statement that building these two smaller houses very close together will not affect the surrounding property values. We completely disagree with that opinion. The area up on Lamar Ave N where these 2 new houses are being proposed is where our house is. This street recently has had two smaller houses torn down and 2 new larger houses built. Meaning the area is progressing towards houses on larger lots with more space around them. This proposal for these two small houses very close together takes the progress this area has made in the opposite direction and will be detrimental to our property values. These homes will be similar in nature to a mobile home property. I’ve consulted my real-estate agent on this topic, and they concur. Public Comments Regarding the Werb and Walker Variance Applications on Lamar Avenue We have additional concerns about the street size and congestion for parking from visitors…etc. Lamar Ave N is a narrow road and does not support parking on the street or additional traffic. We are also concerned about expressing these opinions at the public meeting and alienating our new neighbors before we have even met them. Is there a way to submit our concerns anonymously?