Laserfiche WebLink
Dear Lake Elmo Planning Commission and City Council, <br /> <br />This letter is in regards to the requested Planned Unit Development and Preliminary Plat for Drake <br />Motor Partners. As a city planner in the East Metro, I have significant experience analyzing these types <br />of requests. In reviewing the PUD deviations for this application, I found several items to be striking. <br />These deviations include reducing the required amount of landscape screening along Lot 1, Block 2, <br />placement of trash enclosures in the side yard setback area (without providing additional landscape <br />screening), and to exceed the foot-candles requirement. <br /> <br />Given the high intensity of the proposed commercial uses (car dealership and restaurant) the requested <br />deviations would create a significant impact on the abutting and nearby residential properties, which <br />include the Union Park Second Addition townhomes, the Springs at Lake Elmo apartments, and the <br />Savonna 3rd Addition townhomes. The existing commercial properties in this area already cause a <br />profound effect on nearby residences (please see nighttime picture of area below). <br /> <br />I respectfully request that the Planning Commission and City Council require, as conditions of approval <br />to the PUD and plat, higher standards for this development in order to minimize its impacts on <br />neighboring residential properties. <br /> <br />Thank you, <br /> <br />Luke McClanahan <br />197 Junco Road North, Lake Elmo <br /> <br /> <br />