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February 1, 2010 <br /> Ms. Meagan Beekman, Planner <br /> City of Arden Hills <br /> 1245 Highway 96 West <br /> Arden Hills, Minnesota 55112 <br /> RE: Proposed Shoreland Regulation Section 1330.03, Subd.4-- Adjacent Lots <br /> As a long time resident of Arden Hills who grew up on the south shore of Lake Johanna, <br /> I would like to voice my opposition to parts of stthe proposed amendment to Section 1330 <br /> [specifically the "minus ten(10) feet" shoreline setback provision and the addition of the words <br /> "or more" to broaden the meaning of existing adjacent dwellings that would allow new homes or <br /> additions to be built considerably closer to the lakeshore than previously permitted. The current <br /> requirement of basing setbacks on the average of existing adjacent dwellings has served the <br /> neighborhood well for over fifty years and should be retained. <br /> When the original residents of Arden Hills built their homes, and the initial setback <br /> regulations were formulated, it was with very practical purposes in mind. The result was an --- <br /> expansive unobstructed backyard area that was common to all shoreline residents. This allowed <br /> homes on fairly narrow lots to enjoy a sweeping view of the lake that was not only aesthetically <br /> pleasing but of significant importance to public safety. When you live on a lake it is essential that <br /> residents be able to keep a watchful eye on children, teens, visitors, and each other. There were <br /> numerous legendary occasions when watchful neighbors prevented serious lakeside disasters, by <br /> overconfident swimmers, reckless boaters, and unsupervised children alone on docks,or walking <br /> on thin ice. Arden Hills has a wonderful safety record and it would be shame to spoil it by <br /> eliminating one of the primary sources of its success. <br /> It was also common practice for neighbors to share their backyard space with others for <br /> family or neighborhood picnics and games. It was sharing like this that created a community <br /> spirit that encouraged families to look out for one another and seek assistance from each other <br /> when needed. All of this could be lost and replaced with unnecessary resentments if new <br /> residents are allowed to put their own self interest ahead of established community standards. <br /> I urge the Planning Commission to consider the repercussions of these proposed changes, <br /> and vote against them. <br /> Respectfully, <br /> Michael D. Stanton <br />