4.a10 Scott Westphal letter to PCf-`!=-Cr---IVED
April 27, 2016 MAY - 2 20'i ti
To the Planning Commission of the City of Scandia, OITY OF SCAP DIA
I am not able to attend the May 3 meeting so I write this letter hoping it is read by the people
who are deciding the issue relating to the CUP for Geronimo Energy installing a facility next to
my house.
I live on the adjoining property, 20685 Quinnell Ave. The Tiller mining project was within eye
sight and ear shot of my house. So will the proposed electricity generation plant.
It is not a legally binding contract but I hope it is recognized publicly that Mr. Zavoral said when
the mining project is complete the land would be restored "to a natural state better than it was
before" and it will be "good for all the neighbors". I knew that was not the truth when he said it
but I just hope everyone recognizes that the proposal to develop the property for an energy plant
is not in line with what was told to people.
Now, the fact that wealth affords special treatment renders moot any objections, whether legally
backed or merely morally backed, to the will of those who stand to increase their wealth. Still, I
want it known that this is one tax paying citizen of Scandia who objects to the installation of this
energy plant.
Since it is going to happen anyways, I would ask for some mitigation to this eye sore going up
next to my house. 1. Do not add to the light pollution. There is no reason for lighting, at all,
through the night. If they need lighting to work in the dark, then use an on/off switch and turn on
the light when they need it and then turn it off when they don't. 2. Do not surround the facility
with chain link fence and barbed wire like in the photos of other facilities provided by Geronimo
Energy. 3. Plant more trees around the facility to further obscure the eye sore.
A couple more questions: Is it possible to know how much money the Zavoral family is making
off the leasing of their property? Both for the Tiller mining project and the Geronimo Energy
plant? And how much tax money and how many local jobs really are going to benefit our
community? And lastly, let us not fool ourselves - calling this a "park" and a "garden" is
insulting. Please refrain from using those euphemisms as we cope with this eye sore through the
coming decades.
Thank you,
Scott T. Westphal,
20685 Quinnell Avenue N.
Scandia, MN 55073
651-433-2722