Loading...
08.b1b Public Comments_Rodsjo Variance January 28th,2022 To Whom it my Concern: Accessory Dwelling Unit-Variance- Susan and Paul Rodsjo- 21450 Pomroy Avenue North- Scandia, MN Lot 1, Block 2, Troll Landa Subdivision Susan and Paul Rodsjo. Attention: Mayor of Scandia, Scandia City Council Members and City Planner From: Patricia A. Brannan I have lived in Scandia for 43 years, Resident and Property Owner. My residency is located at 21455 Pomroy Avenue North. My property is on 4.6 wooded acres, directly across the street from Rodsjo's property. My driveway is over 550 feet long and I have no additional structures on my property. I enjoy living in the woods, with deer, birds and the quietness of 5 acres of land which was required when we built in 1978. Paul and Susan Rodsjo have been my neighbor for over 20 years, and I have a friendly neighborhood relationship with both Paul and Susan. I did receive the City of Scandia’s letter dated December 22,2022 which stated a Request to Consider a Variance to Construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit at 21450 Pomroy Avenue North, Scandia, MN. I initiated a meeting with Sue Rodsjo on Thursday 01/20/2022 to learn more about her plans. The Accessory Dwelling Unit will be a Second Dwelling on their property of 4.4 acres. The second dwelling, she is asking to build is a Settler’s Cabin plus an addition on the front and back of the structure. The square footage will be 1,870 sq. ft. and 17 X 30 feet. This square footage on her current home is 3,321 on 4.4 acres. When I asked Sue Rodsjo why she was moving forward with this project, she stated that she was building it for her adult children, so they would have a place to stay when visiting. Her current three level home lists four (4) bedrooms & four (4) baths, (3) bathrooms and is over 3,200 square feet. For the last 2 years her home has been listed on Airbnb for $850.00 a night with a three-day minimum -stating occupancy of up to 10 quests. Susan and Paul's lifestyle is they travel and are not home for long periods of time. I am writing to you as I strongly OBJECT to this Variance Dwelling Request and do not feel that this 4.4-acre property meets the Variance code and guidelines of the City of Scandia. I have concerns that this second dwelling will become an additional rental property along with her current home on Airbnb. I did talk to Brenda Eklund, City Clerk and was given the city amendments on Accessory Dwelling Units and Bed and Breakfast- which were passed on May 5th,2021. Here are some of my Questions. Question #1 –The amendment clearly states property must be five (5) acres or more. Rodsjo property is a parcel of 4.4 acres. Under C-1, the accessory structure is a least 200 feet from the road right-of-way on lots of 5 acres or more. Rodsjo does not have the necessary acres to build this structure. Under section (10)-B- page 79-it states that the floor area of a detached Accessary Dwelling Unit shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet. Rodsjo proposal for the accessary dwelling is 1,870 almost twice the size as the (1,000) square feet required. Question #2 -Section (9)-B- Internal Accessory Dwellings Units are limited to one thousand (1,000) square feet in area. In no case shall the floor area of the Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit exceed the floor area of the first floor of the primary structure or accessory structure. Rodsjo is requesting 1870 square feet for the Accessory Dwelling Unit which is greater than the 1,000 square feet allowed. The primary resident is already 3,219 square ft. and is consider one of the larger properties on Pomroy Avenue. Question #3 What will be the usage of this new Accessary Dwelling "Settler Cabin"? Will this be a second rental listing on Airbnb? 4.4(1)- No structure shall be constructed for the sole purpose of being utilized as a bed and breakfast facility, and no existing structure shall be enlarged or expanded for the purpose of providing additional room for quests. The exterior appearance of the structure shall not be altered from its single-family charter. (3) Guest are limited to a length of stay of no more than thirty consecutive days. The exterior example of "Settler Cabin Structure" that Rodsjo illustrated is Red in color, very visible and does not match the current structure and natural color of their home. I will be able to see this structure from my driveway. Question #4 - Will this the “Settlers Cabin” be different than the existing look of the property and will have the appearance of a separate unit? Section (9)-D. The appearance or character of the principal building shall not be significantly altered to create the Accessory Dwelling Unit, so its appearance is no longer that of a one- family dwelling. The current plan is to have a RED "Settler Cabin" totally different than the principal building natural color scene. Question- will this addition become a second rental? Will this property be turned into a business rather than a residency? What will the City of Scandia do to protect that this does not happen? Question #5- If this is a Bed and Breakfast, will there be on-site parking as required for quest? Will this “Settler Cabin” become a second rental and turn these properties into a business rather than a residency? What will the City of Scandia do to protect us, so this does not happen? Quest Parking 4.4 Bed and Breakfast-4.4) Provide On-site parking sufficient to handle all quest and owner's vehicles shall be provided. Where on the current plot is parking to provided? In my conversation with Rodsjo, Susan referred to Jim Lindberg's "Settle Cabin" which is located on Parrish Ave. in Scandia. This cabin was restored this past Fall and it sits behind Lindberg's homestead on Olinda Trail. It is located on his field on Parrish Avenue. Lindberg's property on Zillow list 9 acres. Lindberg's "Settle Cabin" is in an opened field, surrounded by open space, and does not have any additional add-ones- different from the Rodsjo illustration. Lindberg's "Settler Cabin" looks more like 1,000 sq. footage with is allowed. Six years ago, the City of Scandia approved a Variance to construct a Red Sheet Metal Pole Barn to Carol and Dave Schwinghammer at 21535 Pomroy Avenue North. There were several long-time residences that opposed this structure. Last Fall this property listed "For Sale" at $995,000. The Schwinghammer will sell their property and move on, but the residents on Pomroy will view the Pole Barn- which is constructed closer to the road and in front of this property. The Schwinghammer’s also rent their home for $600.00 a night. Is this what the City of Scandia wants for the future of community? The decisions of the City Council and City Planner does affect our community. When I was in White Bear Lake the trend in the 1990's was to convert train cars and Caboose into overnight stays and cards party. Carroll Matlins a resident placed one in this backyard. When he decided to sell his home in WBL, there was his Caboose on his property. The Caboose took away from the value of his home and potential buyers. Today that Caboose sits next to the Train Depot on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake where it belongs. I feel that the Mayor of Scandia, City Council and the City Planner should be Consistent and Abide by the Ordinances & Codes in place today. If not, more people will come to the City of Scandia with their desires for exceptions, requesting additional buildings to their properties- less than the required (5) acres. I believed that having 5 acres or more protected us, so Scandia could remain rural and enjoy the advantages of living in the country. Where does this Accessary Dwelling addition fit into the Scandia Comprehensive Plan? What action will the City of Scandia do to take steps, so these types of Variances are denied? Does the City of Scandia have a Bed & Breakfast policy in place to address this issue? If not, I strongly encourage that the City of Scandia develop an ordinance/code sooner than later! One thing that I am most frustrated about is that I DID receive the Variance Letter -three days before Christmas. In talking with other Pomroy residences, they DID NOT receive this important notice- Sogge, Zuniga, Erickson, Houlding, Tockman, Kapfer- Grant Wheaton- who is out of town. All Pomroy Avenue residents should have been sent this very important letter. I hope it is not too late to notify all residents on Pomroy before the February 8th,2022 meeting. Can the City please send this letter to residents listed below? In closing, I will be at the Site meeting for 21450 Pomroy Avenue on Sunday, January 30th,2022 at 3:00pm. I will be at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. and request time to speak. If any Council Members has questions, please contact me directly by phone or email which is listed below. Thank you for your service- keeping the City of Scandia a rural area and a well-planned community for years to come. Sincerely, Patricia A, Brannan pbrannan@frontiernet.net 651-324-8909 Listed below are examples of square footage. Pictures below. Scroll Down. Total of five pictures. 21455 Pomroy Ave-Brannan – 1400 square ft. 21450 Pomroy Ave. North- Rodsjo – Square ft.3,320 square ft. . Paul’s Cabin being moved and restored. Final size with be 1838 square ft. Two additions will be added to this structure. Jim Lindberg's property restored "Settler Cabin" on Parrish Ave in Scandia-. about 1,000 sq. ft on 9 acres of land. Red Caboose in White Bear Lake- Restore for Overnight stay and card parties. Rodsjo Variance Public Comments Received via email 2/1/2022 Good morning, Brenda. The Site meeting at the Rodsjo's property was well attended. I appreciate everyone that come to the meeting. I have a few questions for the Planning Chair and Committe members. Would you please forward my questions to the Chair and Committee members of the Planning Commission and Mayor, and City Council members? 1). Has a Perk test been completed on the identified Site that Rodsjo has chosen for the "Settler Cabin"? 2). Has the Property been surveyed in order to find a more suitable location behind their existing house or adjacent to their current garage? (Fire Pit area). If so, they would not need to ask for a Variance to build an 1850 square foot home significantly closer to the main residence of 3,380 square feet. 3). Regarding the driveway to the "Settler Cabin"- is there an ordinance about a second driveway being constructed off the main existing driveway? If so, what is the footage allowed? I see no area designated for Parking for this second dwelling which I believe is required. 4). What is the future use of this "Settler Cabin", will it also become an Airbnb? Will this property then become a commercial property rather that a residential property? This is my biggest concern! 5). If and when this property is sold, will it be sold as an individual property or as two separate individual Properties? Please note that Rodsjo do not have the 5 acres but 4.4 acres. If sold separate, how will the City of Scandia handle the division of this property? Once again, I strongly OBJECT to this Variance being pass, otherwise Scandia will become an area known for Luxurious Homes and Tiny Houses! Thank you for listening. Sincerely, Pat Patricia A. Brannan Rodsjo Variance Public Comments Received via email on February 4, 2022 My name is Eline Rodsjo, and 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. Last year I lived with my parents full time between graduating college and starting law school. I had a wonderful time living with them. I would have stayed longer, but felt that living in the same house as my parents while actively enrolled in law school was not quite enough space. If they had the Settlers’ Cabin at the time I began law school, it’s more than likely I would have continued to stay in Scandia with them - and if it is built while I’m in law school, it’s likely I’ll move back once my current lease expires. I also love taking my friends back to Scandia to show them the parts of town I love the most - like Gamelgården, and being able to show them more of Scandia’s history on our own property would be a great experience. The Settlers cabin would also be a great addition to our current home as it would allow us to host our friends and family more often when they’re in town since my dad’s family all lives in Norway and would love to stay in a cabin like that when they come to visit. My mom is very tasteful and has a passion for restoring historic buildings and making the inside adorably authentic with a modern twist. The outside would also fit into the aesthetic of our home and the surrounding area so as to not draw any unwanted attention. The field is far enough onto the property that you cannot see it from the road - it seems highly unlikely the visibility would bother anyone considering the placement as well as the forest surrounding our home. Thank you. -Eline Rodsjo Rodsjo Variance Public Comments Received via email on February 3, 2022 I am writing with regard to the request for variances from Paul and Sue Rodsjo, in order that they might construct their “settler’s cabin.” I have lived for the past 21 years at 21590 Pomroy, two lots north of the Rodsjos. Since the Rodsjos cannot build behind their house, I would request as conditions for aware of variance that: 1) conifers be planted (6 feet tall at the time of planting) to screen all sides o f the cabin from Pomroy Avenue and 2) the color of the cabin would be close to the color of the current trim on their house – a toned-down reddish brown I attended the site visit and have spoken with Sue about these issues. She expressed willingness to comply with both stipulations. The more essential is, of course, screening from the road—I absolutely do not want to drive down Pomroy and feel I am in some kind of theme park!! I am also a bit concerned about Airbnb status but am not familiar with city ordinances about commercial operations like this. My understanding is that you will add my concerns / requests to those you present to the Planning Commission and City Council members. Thank you very much, Rita Erickson 21590 Pomroy Avenue North Rodsjo 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 Rodsjo Variance Public Comments Received via email on February 4, 2022 My name is Sheri Howell and I live at 21303 Pomroy Ave, just a few houses down from Paul and Sue Rodjso. I wanted to send an email in support of approving the variance needed for them to proceed with the historic cabin project that they hope to do. I would appreciate if the following could be passed along to the board: The Rodjso have been amazing neighbors for the entire 15 years we’ve lived here. They have a beautiful home and the plans to add the proposed historic cabin to the property will enhance their home as well as the entire neighbor. To celebrate our Scandinavian roots by saving and restoring a piece of history is something that should be celebrated not hindered. Please consider approving the variance to allow the Rodjso’s project to proceed. It pleases me, as it should everyone in Scandia that a neighbor has so much pride in our heritage that they would take on a project like this! Thank you for allowing my opinion I be heard- Sheri Howell Rodsjo Variance Public Comments Received via email on February 4, 2022 To Scandia Planning Comission, Tom and I live on Pomroy Ave, not far from Rodsjo’s. We’ve lived here 10+ years and love our neighborhood with all the woods and natural environment. We think what Rodsjo’s are planning to build is going to be a charming little Scandinavian red, old restored building that is set back quite a ways off the road and will barely be noticed. I think for anyone who likes the charm and heritage of Scandinavian culture here in Scandia, this is a plus for our community and neighborhood. Best Regards, Tom and Doreen Kapfer -Eline Rodsjo CAROL AND DAVE SCHWINGHAMMER 21535 Pomroy Ave N, Scandia, MN 55073 February 4, 2022 City of Scandia Attn: Brenda Eklund, City Clerk on behalf of Planning Commission 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073 Dear Ms. Eklund: We are writing to formally indicate our support for the Variance Application submitted by Susan Rodsjo at 21450 Pomroy Ave N, Scandia, MN 55073 to move a settler’s cabin onto their property. Scandia is a wonderful place to live, honoring its Swedish heritage, such as Gammelgarden and Hay Lake School museums, Dala horses, and barn quilts. The opportunity to continue to honor this heritage with a settler’s cabin built by hand in the 1860s is consistent with the character and spirit that makes Scandia a community that is connected and remains respectful of its past. Our particular block of houses on Pomroy Ave N is already tree-filled and beautiful throughout the seasons. Therefore, we also encourage the use of a traditional color scheme for the building, which we understand is a dark red with white trim. We have no concerns about this project as described within the Variance Application and look forward to having it in our neighborhood. Sincerely, Carol and Dave Schwinghammer Rodsjo Variance Public Comments Received via email on February 7, 2022 We are letting everyone know that we are not opposed to the placement of a structure at 21450 Pomroy Ave N Scandia MN 55073. We have reviewed the plans and think it will be a nice addition the above property Thank you Charlene and Joe Waddell 21525 Pomroy Ave North Scandia, MN 55073 6123869012 6123880072 Rodsjo Variance Public Comments Received via email on February 5, 2022 To whom it may concern, This is in regard to the Rodjo's variance request. We, the Zunigas being their next door neighbors are not opposed to them placing the Settler's Cabin on their property. In fact, we encourage this because we feel it brings a sense of their heritage and ours back into Scandia. We realize they would like to paint the cabin a similar color as the traditional Swedish log farmhouse cabin and we are fine with this. We love the thought of refurbishing such a treasure. Sincerely, John and Sandy Zuniga