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Request by Lafayette Woods Subdivision Association for Variance <br /> • The Lafayette Woods Subdivision Association is requesting of the City of Elk River, a variance <br /> to Land Development Regulations, Section 30-866, Item 8, which states: "One permanent area <br /> identification sign per neighborhood, subdivision, or development, not to exceed 16 square feet <br /> in the sign area." <br /> 1) We believe the hardships caused by enforcement of the ordinance include the following: <br /> a)The property value of the homes near the County Road 1 entrance are affected by <br /> comparison to the homes near the Proctor Road entrance; the Proctor Road side has a <br /> sign at its entrance where the County Road 1 side does not. <br /> b)A sign at the County Road 1 entrance would hopefully ward off speeding into the <br /> neighborhood from that entrance. Because there is a distance between County Road 1 <br /> and the actual entrance in to Lafayette Woods, at first glance drivers might not be aware of <br /> their entering a neighborhood.An identification sign would alert drivers that they are <br /> entering a residential neighborhood. <br /> c) For those residents near the County Road 1 entrance, an identification sign would serve <br /> as a landmark for providing directions,just as the sign does at the Proctor Road <br /> entrance. Currently their is only the city street sign for Upland Avenue, which is somewhat <br /> hard to see while driving down County Road 1, to serve as a landmark to this entrance. <br /> d) Several homeowners purchased their homes near the County Road 1 entrance with the <br /> understanding that a sign would be forthcoming at that entrance. <br /> • 2) We believe the hardship existsJbecause the developer did not or could not follow through on <br /> what was promised to homeowners. Our understanding, from discussions with city personnel, is <br /> that the developer could have requested signage at each entrance when he submitted his plans <br /> for development. <br /> 3) The literal application of the provisions of the ordinance deprives those homeowners who live <br /> near and use the County Road 1 entrance the same rights enjoyed by those homeowners who <br /> live near and use the Proctor Road entrance which has an identification sign. <br /> 4) The hardships are caused by the lack of foresight in planning for the subdivision and/or lack <br /> of follow-through on promises to potential homeowners made when developing the subdivision. <br /> 5) Because the location of the sign is well off County Road 1, it would not adversely affect <br /> County Road 1 by adding more signage to it. City residents would only be affected in positive <br /> ways by having a directional landmark, as well as an esthetically pleasing entrance to view. <br /> Great care has been taken to maintain both entrances to this subdivision.As can be seen by <br /> the enclosed diagram of the proposed sign, this would be a well-built, well-thought out structure <br /> to match that of the Proctor Road entrance. <br /> If I can answer any other questions, please contact me.Thank you for your consideration. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> • Nancy Clusiau, on behalf of the Lafayette Woods Subdivision Association <br /> 274-0626 <br />