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1083 Harriet Lane Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 488-8008 <6-S -9)> August 5, 1998 Roseville Planning Commission Roseville City Offices 2660 Civic Center Drive Roseville, Minnesota 55113 Re: Suburban True Value Hardware Application for Variance Dear Commissioners: Our property is the townhouse unit at 1083 Harriet Lane marked with a red "X" on the plat map. Our patio area faces west and is approximately 30 feet from the property line between the Suburban True Value Hardware and the Rose Villa Townhouses. Our property will sustain the greatest damage if the variance request by Mr. Johnson is granted. Our realtor estimates the damages to be at least 10% of market value or $16,000- $17,000. The enclosed photographs show two views from our patio and two views showing the rear of the hardware store and our unit just to the east of the utility pole. As you can see, the trees provide us with a substantial screening benefit. When we first looked at the home we purchased last September, we asked the builder if a four-season porch could be built and were told that it could not be done because of rear lot setback requirements. We did not question him or ask him to seek a variance. Our understanding of the purpose of the setback requirements is to protect adjoining property owners from intrusions by their neighbors. This would seem to be particularly important when commercially zoned land adjoins residential property as is the case here. No particular justification seems to have been given for the variance request by Suburban True Value Hardware. The notion that the building should be squared off does not seem to us to be a sufficient or even valid reason. Construction to within three feet of the property line will doom the trees which now screen us from the hardware store. Our request is that Mr. Johnson's application be turned down. If any of you want to come and visit our property for a firsthand look at this site, you are more than welcome.