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<br /> . We feel that granting a variance in this case is justified since hardship does <br /> eXist, given the following pre-existing conditions. <br /> 1) The lot is 10' under the minimum lot width for Arden Hills. This house was <br /> constructed without a garage 33 years ago (one of the earliest built in this area). <br /> Current zoning and side setback ordinances were added since that time. <br /> Minimum front lot width of 95' was also added. Side setbacks were established <br /> to maintain safety and visual openess in the community. <br /> This point is further confirmed by the planning commission discussion. Steve <br /> Erickson questioned the definition of hardship, asking 'doesn't the 85' width <br /> limit their development on the lot?' <br /> Barbara Piotrowski said 'I can see hardship here, but 1 would still say nay, until <br /> they look at narrowing the garage'. <br /> Scott Peterson asked 'what was the setback when the home was constructed? <br /> Surely there would not have been less than a 5 foot side setback'. No records <br /> appear to be available to determine these facts. <br /> 2) The sharply sloping terrain of the backyard prohibits a garage in the backyard. <br /> . This condition is further highlighted by the standing water problems witnessed <br /> during the 8 years we have lived here. <br /> At the planning commission meeting, Brian stated, 'There is enough hardship <br /> here that would not allow a garage to be built to the back of the house.' <br /> 3) Constructing the double garage ahead of the house severely disrupts the visual <br /> alignment of homes along West Floral Drive. <br /> Additional Concerns: <br /> From a purely financial viewpoint, proceding on building any addition without a <br /> double garage would not be a sensible expenditure. <br /> Safety of our children - With our cars parked on the driveway, as well as other cars <br /> frequently parked along West Floral Drive (in front of our home) we have had <br /> . serious problems with keeping our children off Floral Drive and out of 30 MPH (or <br /> more) traffic. In order to ride their bikes, hot wheels, roller blades, etc. they daily <br /> must share the space with vehicles parked in the driveway. Because of this driveway <br /> congestion, we repeatedly find them in the street, where the temptation of wide <br /> open spaces is hard for 3-,5-, and 7- year aids to resist. <br /> . To allow safe, reasonable use of either the garage or the driveway, we have to park <br /> a car on the east side of the driveway - in fact encroaching much more on the grassy <br />