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Mounds View Planning Commission May 5, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ Kathy Piché, 2204 Lois Drive, and neighbor to the applicant, commented that she had assembled some photos for the Planning Commission, and the photos show locations that were red flagged that indicate where the proposed fence would be located. She is opposed to the fence as it would affect her quality of life. When she and her husband bought the home they looked at certain aspects of neighborhoods and compared them to others. When they first bought their home a hedge separated the houses at 2204 and 2208 Lois Drive. That hedge was taken down because they believed it separated neighbors. There has been a change of ownership of the home on 2208 Lois Drive. She believes a fence would create more problems. Her view of the street would be compromised and a safety issue is involved as it blocks the view of traffic. She has a two-year- old granddaughter that visits and she is concerned about safety. She would like to know how the fence would create privacy. She is asking for the quality of life that she has always had in her neighborhood. She believes the applicant is making the request because she questioned Mr. Read’s use of snowmobiles in his yard some time ago. She called to complain about the use of the snowmobiles because they were approximately 11 feet from her window. This fence would actually divide the neighborhood even more. She believes the fence would also block the view from her living room. She is concerned about maintenance of the fence. If the applicant thinks the fence would mean that he can use snowmobiles in his yard a sound proof barrier would actually be necessary. This is the result of a neighborhood situation that has gotten out of hand. She hopes the Planning Commission denies the variance request. Mr. Read indicated the snowmobiles are not operated much on his property much and they are only used when they are put on the trailer. The snowmobiles have never been on City property other than to put them on the trailer. He has done nothing illegal with the snowmobiles. There are eight kids in the neighborhood and the only one he has had to worry about was Mr. Piché. It would be a low maintenance, vinyl or cedar fence. Most of his yard is already fenced in. He hopes the Planning Commission approves his request. Commissioner Miller questioned the type of fence to be installed. Mr. Read stated it would depend on the height of the fence that he is allowed, but it would probably be cedar or vinyl. Commissioner Miller asked if Mr. Read would be changing the existing fence. Mr. Read stated he would not be changing the existing fence. Commissioner Scotch commented that she thought the variance would be detrimental to 2204 Lois Drive and putting up a fence that high would block the view. She is not sure how much the Pichés can see in Mr. Read’s back yard. Commissioner Scotch added that she does not see a proven hardship in this case. Commissioner Johnson stated he does not see a hardship either, but he sees other violations that exist on the property and Mr. Read could use an oversized garage.