4.1.c. PCSR 06-23-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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From:Steve Casey To:Carlton, Zachary Subject:[EXTERNAL] Planning Commission Agenda Date:Thursday, April 23, 2020 2:19:45 PM Steven Casey 19453 Irving Circle NW Elk River, MN 55330 Re; Comprehensive Plan for Lot 1, Block 1 ELK RIDGE CENTER SECOND ADDITION Zack Carlton and The Elk River Planning Commission: Dear Sir, I purchased my property at 19453 Irving Circle NW in the City of Elk River in July 2015. The property appealed to me for a number of reasons. First of all, the large lots give this neighborhood the feeling of country living. Homeowners enjoy minimal density which gives the neighborhood an individual character. Second in my consideration for moving here was seeing that the neighborhood is quiet, safe and has very little daily through traffic. The traffic is basically limited to the people who live in the neighborhood. Third, I have a deer trail running through my backyard where I can enjoy the wildlife. I have a feeder that I put up every winter for the deer and other animals that are frequent in the area. My nearest neighbor to the east on 194th Ave. NW has young children who routinely play along the street and ride bicycles and tricycles in the neighborhood. This neighbor has put put a sign reminding drivers in the area to slow down. Those of us who live here are aware and drive accordingly. This project, should it be approved, will irreparably alter and permanently ruin the character of this neighborhood. A high density apartment building does not improve a low density neighborhood. A 60-unit apartment building does not mean 60 people. It means 300 people. Probably more. A 60-unit apartment building does not mean 60 cars. It means 100 cars. Probably more. By approving this project, you are not asking me or my neighbors to accept more traffic, you are telling us to. You are not asking me or my neighbors to accept more noise, you are telling us to. You are not asking me or my neighbors to accept more crime, you are telling us to. You are not asking me or my neighbors to accept a devaluation of our property, you are telling us to. And that is unacceptable. The increase in traffic alone will make this neighborhood less secure and jeopardize the safety of the children and animals that live here. The increase in transient population density will bring more noise and more criminal activity. I ask all of you, charged with making the decision to proceed with this project, think of your own homes. Where you live. The reasons that made you decide to live where you do. Then imagine all of that changing overnight, completely out of your control. Because right now, that's where I am. That's where my neighbors are. This is the wrong project for this neighborhood. It is irresponsible. Do not approve this project. Steven Casey 19453 Irving Circle NW Elk River, MN 55330