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Mounds View Planning Commission October 5, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 3 developable area of the lot. Planner Sevald outlined the developable area on the survey, and reviewed it with the Planning Commission. Chair Stevenson expressed concern with losing the trees as a buffer to County Road 10, and the current 54’ front yard setback, stating that the builder had indicated that no matter what, he could still build. Planner Sevald stated that the current lot is developable, but that the size of a house would be reduced. Chair Stevenson stated that the applicant explained previously how a home could be built within the reduced setback area, and expressed concern that this would be a rental unit, and was concerned that the treed buffer area would go away. He reviewed the size of the proposed home. Commissioner Love asked if the proposed home would be two levels. Erik Ollestad, Value Homes, LLC, discussed the home he was proposing to build on the property at 7790 Eastwood Road. He commented on the trees that would be lost. Mr. Ollestad questioned Commissioner Klebsch what was the goal of being against the variance. Chair Stevenson asked what is the footprint of the proposed home. Mr. Ollestad referenced Commissioner Klebsch’s previously stated concern that the variance does not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. Mr. Ollestad displayed a photograph of a home in Blaine, similar to the one proposed to be built, stating that the house would be in- line with the 54’ setback, but the attached garage would stick out in front of neighboring homes. Mr. Ollestad then displayed photos of the interior of the home. Mr. Ollestad displayed drawings of an alternative home plan that could fit on the lot without a variance, and described its appearance as not being in sync with the neighborhood. Mr. Ollestad stated that the proposed home if granted a variance, did go with the characteristics of the neighborhood. He stated something is going to be built, and preferred to build the propose home. Commissioner Schiltgen questioned if the private easement has been discussed between the property owner and the adjacent property. Mr. Ollestad reviewed conversations between himself and City Staff regarding reducing or revoking the easement. Commissioner Schiltgen questioned if the adjacent owners had discussed a price. Mr. Ollestad responded, no, and that it was difficult to communicate with the owners. Mr. Ollestad did not anticipate this issue would be resolved with the adjacent property owner. Chair Stevenson commented about the amount of trees in the easement area, and that the trees would serve as a buffer between the house and the apartments.