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Joseph & Darlene G�.iy 1305 Oakcrest Av�ue Roseville, MN 55113 March 16,2004 Mayor Craig Klausing Council Member Arrry Ihlan Council Member Tom Kough Council Member Dean Maschka Council Member Greg Schroeder RE: Planning file 3546, petition to rezone property at 2550 H,amiline Avenue from low density single family residenceto medium density townhouse district. Dear Mayor and Council Members: We are writing to urge you vote to reject this rezoning request. We do so in hope so that you will see fit to retain the current single family residential designation and support the preservation of our neighborhood. First, we would like to point out that the proposed developer and owner has already clearly demonstrated his lack of commitment to his new neighbors. The lawn was left unattended for the entire summer. The weeds and the grass grew waist high and eventually was cut and cleared by the city. The developer let us know that being a good neighbor was not part of the plan. Were suspicious of the developers stated intentions to work with the neighbors and provide solutions. In this letter we will provide you with several reasons why denying the request to modify the comprehensive plan for this property makes sense for the city and does indeed support a stated goal of the city's comprehensive plan. One of the Goa1s of the comprehensive plans states this: "Identify stable single family areas and protect them. Preserve the integrity of existing single family neighborhood by prohibiting the intrusion of incompatible uses. " (Page 6 Goals and Policies III. Residential Areas B. RESIDENTIAL GOALS 2.) This is a stable single family a�. Look carefully # the current zoning designations for the homes immediately adjacent and around this property, tl� are ALL without exception zoned LR/Rl . The homes to the east of Hamline are single family residential homes. Changing the designation of this property will set the precedent and make it easier for the next developer to continue the change from the existing single f,1r��J�� neighborhood to a higher density and encourage additional developments of this nature. The land the developer purchased is one of the original Raseville homes and it is not unique for ti�is stretch of Hamline Avenue. The properties just north on Hamline could easily follow this pattern. They are very large lots and older homes. When those homes are sold, similar development projects could occur and change a very attractive single family residential neighborhood into a neighborhoodthat will be surrounded by higher density housing developments. Oakcrest Avenue between Hamline and Lexington is all single family homes with large yards and wallcing distance to Central Park and the High School. It is a neighborhood in transition with many of the current homeowners at or reaching retirement age. The homes are gou►g to turn over in significant numbers. 'ltris should be a prized single family area of the city. Families with children will be attracted to this area, whais not to I�1ce for raising a family, large front and back yards, a street lined with beautifW trees and parks and walking paths a11 right here. Convenient � �- t�'Y� `� � ' '�? � r�'F�Lk � 4/''.