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September 12, 2022<br /> <br />Steven L Anderson<br /> <br />7795 Clydesdale Circle<br /> <br />Lino Lakes, MN 55014<br /> <br />Re: Robinson Sod Farm EAW<br /> <br />To Whom It May Concern;<br /> <br />As a local resident who has witnessed the consequences of the overstressed drainage system <br />in the area (flooded yards and buildings, neighbor conflicts, expensive private drainage <br />systems, etc) I can attest to the fragility of this area in regards to development. The Carlos <br />Avery and its fragile and complex water system is close by, and our local ditch system was <br />designed many years ago to allow development on a limited scale. The drainage restructuring <br />required for this housing proposal with many buildings, paved streets, driveways, patios, etc <br />will negatively impact local residents and their properties. Without the water retention of the <br />sod farm and the increased runoff and potential for flooding, the project could conceivably <br />change the flood status of the area, and threaten existing homes, buildings and properties that <br />were built decades ago. <br /> <br />My second objection, but by no means the lesser, is the environmental impact. The sod farm <br />and the surrounding wetlands and ditches are major nesting/rearing grounds for many species <br />of migratory and local waterfowl, songbirds, deer and predators from raptors to coyotes. The <br />area has been a resting spot for migrating trumpeter and tundra swans, terns, bitterns and <br />more. The Audubon Society’s IBA (Important Bird Area) map of Carlos Avery includes the sod <br />farm and the entire Rice Creek Chain of Lakes as one of the most important bird sanctuaries in <br />the midwest. I also argue that our local treasures, Rice Creek and the chain of lakes would be <br />irreparably damaged by the increased herbicide, pesticide, and salt runoff from the new <br />development. Not only the quality of life of animals, but of the existing human residents will be <br />compromised. I strongly recommend that the sod farm become an extension of the Carlos <br />Avery, or some other special green space or park, which are sorely lacking and being <br />diminished at a rapid pace in Anoka county.<br /> <br />Lastly there is the traffic problem that has developed in recent years, and the one that will <br />evolve from the proposed project; from quiet neighborhoods our community streets have been <br />turned into high-speed thoroughfares too dangerous to allow bicycles and pedestrians. Other <br />than condemning property, removing sidewalks and widening these streets, there is no remedy <br />with the existing situation: never mind with hundreds more housing units on the way.<br /> <br />After careful thought and discussion, I remain deeply opposed to the proposed housing <br />development on the sod farm. Please consider utilizing this property as an investment in our <br />future, and keep it a community green space for all of us. <br /> <br />Thank you,<br /> <br />Steven L Anderson<br /> <br />