7.a Conley letter to Scandia Planning CommissionDear Scandia Planning Commission,
We have owned the property on 16963 197th street for eight years. Our family has long been stewards of
the river dating back to 1970’s. This includes supporting the scenic Riverway, picking up trash, planting
over 30 trees, and taking down buckthorn. We pride ourselves as environmentalists, and we love the
river, the quiet and the wildlife. In years past we have supported land conservation at Standing Cedars to
preserve and protect the river.
Our cabin was built in 1940 on a pillared foundation that shifts every year with the ground swell from the
winter and is pushed by the chimney that has a deeper foundation. It has no insulation, a floor that
slopes, and windows and doors that don’t close. While we take great pride in trying to keep it alive and
enjoy the rustic nature, it is time to rebuild it on a firm foundation and one that we plan to enjoy year
around.
We believe our proposed design is sensitive to the regulations that protect the river. All of the footprint is
either narrower or equal to the existing structure. We propose a two story addition that goes back 16 feet
to the west, away from the river, and that has two stories. We will increase our living area but keep our
bedrooms the same - two bedrooms with a loft. Our pr oposed addition will not be seen from the river and
the color of the cabin will change from white to natural wood and blend in with the surrounding woods.
We are committed to address any landscaping that needs to accommodate the wetlands and strom water
runoff. During the addition we will take the appropriate steps to ensure that there is no runoff into the
stream or river.
We have read through Evan Munson’s report and are in agreement of how it meets the development
code criteria.
Thank you for your consideration of our proposal. We look forward to our meeting and hope you have a
wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Angie and TJ Conley