5.1. EASR 08-25-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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AUG U 4 2020 Eric and Elizabeth Toth — Request for Variance Narrative Eric and Elizabeth Toth, as owners of Lots 11 and 12, Block 2, Orono Lake Addition, are requesting approval to achieve a simple lot split of Lot 12 (known locally as the "Garden Lot") as more fully described on the attached "Certificate of Survey and Lot Split." This simple split will allow us to sell the resulting Parcel B to our neighbors, Gary and Diane Stritesky (property ID 75-132-4100). We will retain Parcel A, which will be attached to Lot 11. We have been informed by City staff that Parcel B cannot be attached to the Stritesky property because their property was never platted (the Striteskys would own Parcel B as a separate unbuildable lot). Neither party has an interest in further development of the Garden Lot as a new residence, therefore we do not see a need to create a buildable lot from this split (City staff have suggested that the Garden Lot should be split into a buildable lot and an unbuildable lot). Rather, we believe the proposed split will allow both parties to more fully enjoy the use of their respective properties while contributing desirable greenspace to the community. The Stritesky property is bounded by roadways on three sides with structures being effectively restricted to the western edge of the property; Parcel B will give them some "breathing space." Our property includes a historic barn which we wish to protect as a cultural resource for the community, thus our desire to retain a buffer to the east of the barn. We believe the proposed simple split should be allowed as it serves the interests of the adjoining property owners and is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. It is our understanding that the intent of the Comprehensive Plan is to guide future growth, redevelopment, and improvement efforts in the City. The five themes, and our statements regarding conformity, are: • Maintain a distinct identity: Historic Elk River clearly has the character of "small town" Minnesota; the newer parts of the City are more typical of suburban development elsewhere in the region. Both the new and the old are important to the identity of our city; our neighborhood is typical of the older development with larger, irregular lots exhibiting a wide variety of housing styles and, in our specific instance, remnants of Elk River's agricultural heritage. The proposed split allows us to maintain the distinct character of our immediate area by maintaining a space that has not been previously built out. • Create and maintain strong neighborhoods: We believe the proposed split will help maintain this neighborhood as a desirable place to live (we have chosen to retire here) by retaining the historic physical character and property values — desirable neighborhoods make strong neighborhoods with engaged, connected, and concerned residents. • Keep Elk River a "safe" place: In addition to the benefits of a strong neighborhood as it relates to overall community safety, our proposal will eliminate the addition of an additional driveway entrance on Orono Road. • Preserve and maintain the environment: It is the intent of both parties to maintain the "Garden Lot" as a green space in the city with its inherent benefits to aesthetic character, microclimate, wildlife, stormwater management, etc. The retention of a building lot, which we have already stated that we would not sell for a new residence, does not contribute to this goal.