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e8/11/1998 15:48 5124552e31 LOCKHEED MARTIN, MN PAGE e2 ~i~ \~~, ,\ .." ~ _\\_ '\ i August 11, 1998 TO:. Roseville Planning Commission Roseville City Council ' RE: True Value Hardware Variance Request Planning File #3029 This memo i~ being prepared in opposition to the subject variance request. There are several issues with this variance request which create conflicts for the Rose Villa Townhouse community. Among them are the following: 1. The original variance for an addition to the subject property was granted when the land behind the Hardware Store was unoccupied. The nearest residence behind the building at that time was at a significant distance from the propQsed addition. Since that time new dwellings have been constructed for the Rose Villa Townhouse community which have patio areas within approximately 30 feet of the property line. The reasons and rationale for the original variance no longer apply. Two of the new residences would be significantly impacted as shown in the attached drawings. In addition a third dwelling would have the view to the southwest affected to a lesser degree. 2. Mr. Johnson has proposed to remove much of the existing dead and undesirable vegetation and deteriorating fence and to provide new trees and shrubs o~ the Rose Villa property. The attached drawings show the present configuration of the proposed plantings. These include two 2.5 U Autumn Blaze maple trees and three 5-6' Techny ArboNitae while retaining two of the mature trees which are already at ~he south end of the affected area. In addition,he has indicated that he would paint the rear wall of the building any color desired by the residents. I applaud Mr. Johnson for his concern and desire to work with the community, but it will be several years before the new plantjngs~ will provide any significant screening for the building. The fact is that a single row of plantings will provide almost no screening coverage and there is sUbstantial risk that the trees proP08ed to be saved will not survive the excavation of their root systems within three feet of their trunks. 3. For new construction setbacks are included on business property to provide berms alid plantings which separate and screen it from adjacent residential areas. hi the present case the proposed variance would push such screening onto the adjacent affected residential property. As noted in the drawings, there is not sufficient space available to provide adequate screening even if Mr. Johnson were to maintain it in perpetuity. 4. The land to be covered by the new addition drains to the east and north into an existing storm sewer. Total rainfall and snow melt running into this sewer '. . ","