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Dear Councilmembers; I, David A. Wanous, resident owner of the single family dwelling located at 2944 N. Albert St., Roseville, MN., met with the minor variance commitee on April 9, 1997 and received their approval for a minor variance on a proposed addition to that dwelling. In accordance with section laD of the variance application form, I am submitting this letter of explanation for the requested variance to you for your approval along with the application form, fee, and other requisite materials. There are two distinct but related conditions causing hardship that I wish to alleviate. They stem from an addition built in 1963; a 14' x 17' room joining the house with the garage, serving as a combination dining room and entryway with a half bath at one end. The floor of this room is level with that of the original house and 21 inches higher than that of the garage. Two large poured concrete steps and a 6' wide closet were then built, protruding 4' into the small two stall garage, effectively reducing it to a single stall with some minimal storage space for lawn and yard equipment along the far wall. This is the first problem; an inadequate amount of garage and equipment storage space for our two vehicles, boat, trailer, ATV, etc. The second problem arises from the functional layout of this floorplan. Family activities polarize around the living room with its T.V., V.c.R., stereo and video equipment, and the dining room/ entry with its table and chairs for meals, games, school projects, etc., and its access to the enclosed patio/ playground. Constant traffic between the two rooms is funneled through the narrow kitchen, creating a nuisance and potential burn hazard for the younger children underfoot. (Please refer to the floor plan detail of the site plan, and photo #1 on page 1 of addendum.) Due to the growth of our family, its makeup, and its changing needs, these problems have grown into hardships. My wife, who works part- time outside the home, the oldest child, a 16 year old boy with high school sports and a part-time job, two younger daughters, kindergarten and preschool age, as well as my work with its rotating shifts make two vehicles a necessity- one of which must always remain outdoors. At present, recreational vehicles and equipment must be stored with relatives some eighty miles distant or in a rental facility during the off season. Above all, safety risks to the younger children and their friends in the kitchen area need to be reduced by re-routing the traffic pattern. The solution to these problems lies in expanding existing garage space and moving the electronic entertaiment center out of the living room into