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The variance granted to Solid Rock Church is not consistent with the city of Elk River's <br /> comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is based on the foundation of"Building for the <br /> future". "Building for the future" means considering the past, present, and future. "Natural, <br /> cultural, and historic resources of the community are essential ingredients to Elk River's <br /> identity"was a statement that resonated through my mind when I read the intent of the variance <br /> requested by Solid Rock Church. Solid Rock Church states the variance will not alter the <br /> character of the locality because the proposed lots will exceed a majority of the surrounding lot <br /> sizes in the Brentwood neighborhood. The size of the lot may not affect the character of the <br /> neighborhood, but the plans for the lot will. Elk River states in the comprehensive plan that rural, <br /> undeveloped areas are part of the environment and that built and natural environments should <br /> coexist with one another. The Brentwood neighborhood is the essence of this component of the <br /> comprehensive plan because the neighborhood has been built around nature and the wildlife. It <br /> permits the lives of humans and nature to intertwine. It allows people to feel like he/she is living <br /> in the country, but still have access to all the amenities of town within minutes. Allowing Solid <br /> Rock Church to build on parcel C would eliminate this; it would eliminate an open, natural area, <br /> eliminating a natural environment, and in the end all that would remain are buildings. This would <br /> not be in harmony with the city of Elk River's comprehensive plan to "be sensitive to existing <br /> residential developments, environmental areas, wetlands, existing public parks, and open spaces <br /> when building new, expanded, or improved roadways". I understand this statement is intended <br /> for roadways, but it also applies to residential development in my mind. Wildlife preservation is <br /> highly valued in Minnesota. The lot that Solid Rock Church is planning to build a future staff <br /> home on is a valuable area to the local wildlife. The city of Elk River should take pride in the <br /> fact that there are deer in this area and that it is fostering a growing population. The local deer <br /> All information obtained from the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan Building the Future of Elk <br /> River,August 2004 Page 2 <br />