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Our neighbors, Andy and Maria, at 1539 Oak Ave enjoy a year round view of our pond. We wish to avoid any garage location that would obstruct their view. Our neighbors, Rodd and Emily, at 3641 Snelling Ave North enjoy a view of our pond from the late fall to the early spring when our crimson maple is bare. We want to be considerate of neighbor’s current pond sightlines from the kitchen window, three season room, and deck. The proposed garage placement preserves a pond view from all three sightlines. As shown in attachments 1 and 2, the proposed location is over 28’ from our neighbors’ property line. It is 58’ from the property line adjacent the easement along Snelling. This is set 8’ farther back from the Snelling Ave than or neighbors’ garage. The proposed garage will be partially screened from road side view by existing trees, and future ironwood, apple, and evergreen trees will be planted to provide additional screening. Exceptional and Unusual Circumstance Criteria 1. The property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by official controls a. If used under conditions allowed by official controls, the woods and natural habitat next to our house would be damaged (see #6). 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner a. The plight of the landowner is due to the unique wooded property, largely covered by a pond with the house residing on the back 20% of the property. The location of the house on the lot does not leave space for a garage to be built behind the house. The rear setback is 28’ (see elevation drawing). 3. The deviation from the Ordinance with any attached conditions will still be in the spirit and intent of the ordinance. a. We believe that the spirit and intent of the ordinance will remain intact with the proposed construction of a garage that matches the style and materials of our home. 4. The approval of the Site Plan Review will not create a land use not permitted in the zone a. Use of the proposed structure will be for land use permitted in the current zone. 5. The approval of the Site Plan Review will not alter the essential character of the city a. We believe the essential character of Arden Hills will not be altered. We believe our investment and landscaping will improve the aesthetics of the area and raise neighboring property values. b. We have discussed our plans with the homeowners of the four properties adjacent to ours as well as a few other homeowners in our immediate area. One neighbor made a request for certain materials to be used (see attachment 9), which we intend to honor in keeping with the style of our home. We believe all of our neighbors we have discussed our plans with to be in support of our proposal. 6. The approval of the Site Plan Review is not for economic reasons alone a. We fell in love with our property the first time we saw it. We believe it is one of the most unique pieces of property in Arden Hills. We were so excited to find land that has the feel of “up north” while also being able to enjoy the benefits of living in Arden Hills. We enjoy kayaking in the pond. Our home is shaded by giant oaks and we see the pine trees swing in the breeze. We watch the red hawk hunting, the turkeys eating and listen to the owls calling late into the night. Last spring a fawn was born on the hill next to our house. We have consulted with arborists and naturalists and spent considerable effort removing buckthorn and diseased trees; planting trees; improving the aesthetics and natural habitat for the animals that live here. We feel that building a garage next to our house would decimate the best part of our woods, destroying the natural habitat and probably causing the wildlife to reside elsewhere. It would severely diminish our enjoyment of the land and animals.