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4 <br />(g) The architectural style and building forms proposed are a reflection of the surrounding <br />neighborhoods, including Wildflower, which have been built using high quality materials <br />like stone/brick, cement fiberboard siding and trim (Hardboard or LP Smart siding). To <br />maintain a higher level of quality, we will be installing trimmed windows on all 4 sides of the <br />residential units, higher pitches on roofs, architectural shingles, band boards and frieze <br />boards, and a pleasing/neutral color palette. Additionally, in order to echo the neighboring <br />Wildflower development, we will incorporate a variety of siding and roofing colors along <br />with a variety of siding styles, using combinations of lap siding, shakes, and board / batten. <br />(h) Creation of more efficient provision of public utilities and services, lessen demand on <br />transportation, and the promotion of energy resource conservation. We believe that with the <br />proposed layout of the development, we are maximizing the efficiency of the roadway and <br />utility systems in order to adequately serve the new residential units. Additionally, <br />twinhomes or townhouses are traditionally more energy efficient due to the shared or <br />common wall that divides the residences. Lastly, the new residences will feature energy <br />efficient windows, appliances, and LED lighting. <br />Given the market that we intend to serve (empty nesters, young families, etc.), the twinhome <br />or townhouse residential concepts tend to generate less vehicle trips on average. Not only <br />will the new higher-end neighborhood provide an increase to the City of Lake Elmo’s tax <br />base, it will do so with a lesser amount of impact to the City’s transportation and utility <br />infrastructure. <br />We believe that the geographic location of the proposed development within the City will <br />also lead to efficiencies given that Metro Transit’s Route #294 has a number of bus stops <br />along Stillwater Boulevard in the immediate area. With three (3) bus stops located in <br />between Layton and Laverne Avenues, the location for the proposed Wildflower Twinhome <br />development will provide residences just minutes of walking time to access the Metro Transit <br />bus route. The bus route is operated during the weekly rush hours and takes passengers from <br />the Stillwater area to St. Paul (or vice-versa). <br />Lastly with the development’s geographic location as discussed, the residents will have <br />immediate access to the City’s existing and future trail systems that will provide pedestrian <br />connections to other City neighborhoods and parks. <br />Given that the proposed application will require a Conditional use Permit (CUP) from the city, we are <br />providing the following justification that the proposed use meets the following three (3) criteria: <br />i. The proposed use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort, <br />convenience or general welfare of the neighborhood or City. <br />The proposed residential use of the attached single-family dwellings is consistent with the contex <br />of the adjacent area in terms of overall building height, quality of proposed building, and <br />residential use. The proposed neighborhood will provide new infrastructure (sidewalks, roadway, <br />utilities, etc.) that will be dedicated to the public. The new public infrastructure will be designed <br />and built in accordance with city standards. The use will not be detrimental to public health, <br />safety, comfort, convenience, or general welfare of the neighborhood or City.