6.b Public Comments_ERodsjoRodsjo Variance Public Comments
Received via email on February 3, 2022
To the city of Scandia Planning Commission and City Council:
I have been informed that there have been some questions raised about the variance request
for the building of the settlers cabin on my parents property at 21450 Pomeroy Ave N. I am
writing this letter in support of its construction. While I have now moved away from Minnesota,
I still visit very regularly. In 2021, I visited Minnesota at least 15 times for both personal and
work reasons. All, but one of those times I visited, I stayed with my parents. I have provided the
travel dates below, they are verifiable, logged in google maps.
Jan 18-21, Mar 17-18, Mar 25-27, Mar 28-Apr 4, Apr 5-6, Apr 13, Jun 19-21,July 21-22, Aug 28-
30, Oc 1-4, Oct 17-18, Oct 23-24, Nov 7-9, Nov 24-26, Dec 25-28.
I certainly enjoy staying with my parents. It would be very nice to have a space of my own to
use when I come back to visit. When it is just me, my room (which they have kindly maintained
as my own) is fine. However when I am traveling with others such as my girlfriend we would
appreciate having a space of our own to use when staying in Scandia. The settlers cabin would
be lovely to have once I have a family of my own. More space, and separate space would make
it easier to visit my parents more often and for longer, without imposing on their own space.
While the cabin would be slightly closer to the road than the house is now, I do not feel it would
impose on anyone. Where they plan to put it is neatly tucked away in the corner of the field,
shielded to neighbors by the forest in all directions. In fact in the summerti me, I have no doubt
it would be entirely invisible to anyone who is not in the field themself.
All other questions aside, I believe my mother would be a wonderful steward of this small piece
of local history. I know historical preservation is a passion of hers, and she would gracefully
walk the fine line of tastefully restoring the cabin, while maintaining its authenticity. I would
hate to see such a beautiful piece of our collective history rot away next to a farm field.
Thank you for your consideration, I hope this will not be an issue.
Regards,
Espen Rodsjo