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August 23, 2004 <br /> John Malenick <br /> St. Anthony Code Enforcement Department <br /> St. Anthony Village <br /> .3 3 01 Silver Lake Road <br /> St. Anthony, Minnesota 55418-1699 <br /> Re: Ward Condition, 2813 Silver Lake Road <br /> Dear John, <br /> In response to your August 15'h letter, and conversations between your office and <br /> Prairie Restoration, Inc. personnel that took place on August 20a', I knocked-on the door <br /> of thirteen of our neighbors on Saturday, August 21". Armed with a letter and a personal <br /> commitment I approached all of the homes on Hwy 8 to our south(2812 to 2832) and all <br /> of the homes on our block of Silver Lake Road (2801 to 2839). Six of our neighbors <br /> answered their door and spoke with me. <br /> . One of the neighbors spent about 45 minutes with me and expressed their <br /> concerns"I think you're crazy" "I don't understand it". I left their home feeling good <br /> about our discussion and our relationship but I don't think they are about to change their <br /> yard over to a prairie. The other five neighbors I spoke with were noncommittal, <br /> unaware, unconcerned, or supportive of"what ever you want to do in your own home and <br /> yard". <br /> The point of my contacting the neighbors was to let them know that our space is <br /> not a"lazy neighbor's" neglected yard but a prairie restoration project. We want our <br /> neighbors to know that our motivation is environmental and economical(even though the <br /> initial installation and maintenance is quite expensive) including the following points: <br /> 1. The petroleum used to mow is better used in other ways. <br /> 2. Mowing the large yard every week pollutes the air and disturbs the quiet. <br /> 3. That noxious weeds will always be removed when discovered and that the <br /> prairie is professionally maintained. <br /> 4. That once matured, the prairie plants will not need watering. <br /> 5. That native song birds will thrive in the matured prairie. <br /> 6. Next year there will be a path through the prairie and a bench, for quiet <br /> reflection, for any of the neighbors to use. <br /> 7. The prairie will be the largest garden in the neighborhood, providing a variety <br /> of color, motion and natural beauty to enjoy. <br /> 8. That our restored prairie expresses our connectedness with the earth. <br /> At each home visited on Saturday the attached letter that includes my name and <br /> number was left. They can contact me with further questions or concerns. I am asking our <br /> neighbors and the city of St. Anthony Village to allow this change to take place. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Tony Jordan <br /> Cc.Prairie Restoration <br />