CCP 01-29-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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...! MI1.":'~. .... ~'_':"; '-,,->, , ''::''.' , ~ ~,' '.... '_ ...' F_ . - ~', '-> '-'~":"- 1'''.'':'.1.1 ---- -- r-.-~ . -. To: The Administration. City of Arden Hills Date: January 15, 1996 . From: Walter & Ma~orie Benjamin Re: Planned reconstruction, Oak Avenue We are writing this from Arkansas where we are vacationing during the month of January. We take sharp exception to your proposed Dlans for the reconstruction of Oak Avenue, Since they fall in 4 parts, we will take them up in turn: I. The complete reconstIUction of the street is orohibitivelv expensive Our taxes have been increased during the past decade above the rate of inflation and for us, constitute close to 3% of our valuation, Weare on a gentle curve and have 165 feet frontage. We estimate our cost at S5,280.00, We understand that we would not have access to our garages during construction, We are, seniors, as are many others, and this would create significant hardship, We would never recover a fraction of the cost of this "improvement" when we sold our house, 2, We do not wish a curb' and mItter. We feel it most inappropriate td do this inasmuch as at present we do not even have streetlights I We like the "small village" ambiance of our neighborhOOd and believe it would be compromised by this proposal. ' 3. We do not want our street v.-idened. This would bring the traffic and noise of the street closer to our homes. It would compromise our privacy as well as reduce the amount of lawn that is used as playground space by our grandchildren. Must all residential streets be 32 feel. even a cuI de sac where there is nO throlJ~h traffic and the traffic is vel)' modest? Does one size have to fit everyone in the Village? We live in Arden Hills because we love the village DOt the city "feel." .= Overnight parking is not allowed 00 the street now. 4. We do not want the grass island oaved over, Aesthetically, this would be a terrible assault on - the ambiance of our neighborhood, At present, property OWDe1'S cut the grass and pnme the apple . trees that are there now. If the grass and tree island were paved, the water run-off would be greatly increased and causeladditional erosion problems. We understand the school bus has to I back up a little to make that! turn. Surely, this is a most simple act when compared with your proposed solution that is so 'radical. I I In sum, we are stro~lv a>!ainst a proposal that does not take into consideration the reasons, finances, and feelings of the 'property owners. We feel it reflects an ali too common and insensitive, "when in doubt, Ipave-it,over" mentality. . I We will not be able to attend the hearing in January 29 but will be back in February to voice our opposition in person. I Our Solution: We would tie in favor of a new underlav with an asoha/t surface. Walter and Maxjorie BenjJm I 1605 Oak Avenue I 7f~~9 - J .1 DU, ! I r:::atY-1-"4(1 l1(o~ &Or I I I -----