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along the east side of Round Lake derive significant value from the lakeshore view, which would be <br />negatively impacted by the requested lighting. <br />Additionally, Round Lake and its surrounding lakeshore are managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, <br />which has recently discussed future plans for use of the lake including a fishing pier, wildlife observation <br />points, and walking path for community use, and has emphasized the importance of maintaining the <br />lake as a viable habitat and wildlife sanctuary. The lake is home to nesting bald eagles, rare species of <br />diving ducks, and other migratory bird species. The requested lighting would not only detract from visual <br />enjoyment for current residents, but would also detract from the wildlife observation and nature <br />appreciation available to future users of the lake. We do not believe that a mitigation such as dimming <br />the light’s intensity at night is sufficient; a blue hue outlining the perimeter of the structure will remain <br />an obtrusively artificial visual element at odds with the natural serenity of the lake. <br />Finally, we would like to address the memo’s statement that “Staff has not received any letters, e-mails, <br />or telephone calls from property owners or residents in regards to this planning case.” It should be <br />noted that the notice prepared by the City was mailed only to property owners within 500 feet of the <br />subject property, which excludes the properties on Round Lake represented by this letter. Given the <br />Holiday Stationstore’s unique location on Round Lake, and Staff’s own assessment that residents on the <br />east side of Round Lake would be affected by the proposal, we believe that notification should have <br />been extended to the homes on Hwy 96, Lakeshore Place, Old Hwy 10, and Wedgewood Circle which <br />border Round Lake. Please consider this letter our formal response to the planning case, in addition to a <br />request to be included in the mailing zone for any future proposals related to the Holiday Stationstore or <br />other businesses on Round Lake Rd. <br />Thank you for your consideration and continued support of Arden Hills residents. <br />Sincerely, <br />East Round Lake Residents and Property Owners <br /> <br /> <br />