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January 16, 1993 <br /> -b.. A& )G l ys <br /> Members of the Planning Commission <br /> City of Falcon Heights <br /> Dear Members; <br /> To give each of you ample time before the meeting on Monday, <br /> January 25, to study the problem of the garage in question, we <br /> have enclosed pertinent correspondence to date. <br /> We hope each of you will find the time, not just for a drive -by, <br /> but to actually walk into both adjoining yards (to the east the <br /> west) so you may observe the full impact of this way out -of -code <br /> building. <br /> We will have photos of our garden in summer available at the <br /> meeting and you will also be able on your visit to see the long <br /> high bare wall the Callahans face. A drive by the front of the <br /> property will show you the 5th garage. Mr William Cushman of <br /> Appraisal Research Associates calls for "Falcon Heights to make <br /> sure such situations do not occur since property values will <br /> suffer." <br /> A permit or variance to allow this building to remain in its <br /> present size is a license to steal from the adjoining property <br /> owners. To insist that the garage be downsized is not <br /> unreasonable and as the city has insurance to cover the costs for <br /> its admitted mistake. Any deductible that would not be covered <br /> should come from city funds. <br /> A grant for a variance for a 4 -car garage sets a precedent for <br /> future requests for such a garage we cannot say one person can <br /> do it, and another cannot. This is discrimination and could lead <br /> to lawsuits. <br /> To allow 5 garage stalls on a 50 ft. lot is unacceptable. There <br /> would be room to park 4 cars in the new garage, 4 cars on that <br /> driveway, a car in the front garage, a car on the front driveway, <br /> and 3 or 4 cars on the street in front of the house or a <br /> possible total of 14 cars parked in and around a 50 ft. lot in <br /> residential Falcon Heights. Even with all the garages available <br /> the Callahans are subjected to a car always parked on the front <br /> driveway in view of his living and dining room windows and his <br /> summer porch. <br />