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Date: October 22, 2024 <br />To: City of Elk River Planning Commission <br />and Chris Leeseburg, City of Elk River Senior Planner <br />Dear Planning Commission and Mr. Leeseburg, <br />Upon receiving the Notice of Action from the City of Elk River for the zoning change of the <br />"Highway Commercial (C3) to Single Family Residential (R1-c): North of Highway 10 at the Gary <br />Street alignment: This area is designated for Traditional Single -Family Residential but is <br />currently zoned Highway Commercial (C3). Staff recommends rezoning it to Single Family <br />Residential (R1-c), matching the zoning of the nearby Cove on Lake Orono development.", I <br />have reviewed the proposed action. <br />The Notice of Action states the purpose is to "The current zoning of several properties does <br />not align with their designated land uses, and to ensure consistency with the approved plan, <br />rezoning is recommended." However, the City Council on July 1 approved the Action: <br />designating parcel: 75-00132-2125 as an open space/undeveloped park and named "Scout <br />Island Park." The city's website's land use map inaccurately shows the same area as a single- <br />family residence versus the correct land use of park/open space. <br />Therefore, the purpose of the zoning change is incorrect since the parcel's land use is park/ <br />open space as of July 1, 2024. The requested action is invalid and should be removed. <br />I formally request reasonable notice in writing of any proposed changes to parcel <br />75-00132-2125 since it is within 500 feet of my property. This includes all zoning, selling, <br />purchasing, dividing, land use designation, development, and shoreline disturbances. <br />I suggest that the City of Elk River request recommendations from these invested entities <br />before any future changes in zoning, land use, and ownership to parcel: 75-00132-2125: <br />• Orono Lake Improvement District <br />• Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission <br />• Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors <br />• County of Sherburne Parks & Trails Committee <br />• Friends of the William H. Houlton Conservation Area (wildlife corridor) <br />In addition, Endangered Species, Environmental Assessment, Wetland Conservation Act, <br />FEMA, DNR, public waters reviews would be required before changes to this parcel are <br />considered. Bald Eagles and Blanding's Turtles have been observed in the vicinity and the land <br />is surrounded by Orono Lake with the Elk River flow nagivating around the peninsula. <br />Orono Lake and the Elk River have a long history, cultural value, and deep environmental <br />impact on the [and, water, wildlife, culture, visitors, citizens, and shoreline landowners. Great <br />investments and sacrifices have been made by those who have touched and influenced Orono <br />Lake, Elk River, and the Mississippi River. Care and communication should be taken whenever <br />actions are considered. Reaching out to the community beyond the planning commission <br />meetings to receive input and support is vital to appreciating the past and considering the <br />future. <br />Sincerely, <br />Michelle Binsfeld <br />13230 Island View Dr NW <br />Elk River, MN 55330 <br />binsfeldshelly@gmail.com <br />