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<br />on any adjacent properties, and 200 feet from all public road rights of way), City Code, Sec.90-
<br />38. – Variances, (c) Findings required for approval, c. Character of neighborhood states “The
<br />variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood.” Section (3)
<br />Spirit and intent, goes on stating “The granting of the variance would be in keeping with the
<br />spirit and intent of this chapter and with the policies of the city’s comprehensive plan.”
<br />According to the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the properties in our neighborhood remain
<br />classified as agricultural.
<br />
<br />Our agricultural “Hole in the donut” neighborhood has withstood the test of time by keeping its
<br />residential, rural, and agricultural integrity, as high-density development has taken place
<br />around us over the past 25 years. This alone, makes the Everton Ave. N neighborhood a highly
<br />unique and special place.
<br />
<br />Our recently new neighbors and long-time Hugo residents, Paul & Linda Holman, built their
<br />dream home on the second to last open lot on our block, just a few years ago. They were
<br />drawn to our neighborhood not only because of the 16-acre parcel of land, but because of the
<br />“Country within the city feel.”
<br />
<br />Our newest neighbors are Ryan and Janelle Johnson, and Nick Holm. Both Ryan and Janelle,
<br />and Nick, have purchased homes previously owned by some of our elderly neighbors of many
<br />decades, who have moved away. The Johnsons and Mr. Holm continue to work tirelessly, to
<br />breathe new life into rejuvenating their properties.
<br />
<br />Long-time, 30+ year members of our neighborhood, John & Robin Udstuen, and Arnie Triemert,
<br />have also raised their families on this block. The Udstuen’s operate their small businesses from
<br />their property, while Mr. Triemert is peacefully enjoying his retirement on his property. The
<br />view out Mr. Triemert’s living room window, would become a direct view of the proposed solar
<br />farm directly across the street.
<br />
<br />Our long-time neighbor, Mike Happ, has planted an orchard full of apple trees, and he tends to
<br />several honeybee hives on his property, while neighbors Ben & Cynthia Krull are busy raising
<br />their family here as well.
<br />
<br />In addition to raising our families, and tending to our gardens and farm animals, our little
<br />country in the city rural neighborhood, serves as a haven for an abundant amount of wildlife,
<br />including deer, foxes, coyotes, possums, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, sandhill cranes, blue herons,
<br />Canadian geese, mallard ducks, eagles, hawks, owls and other raptors, an extraordinary variety
<br />of songbirds, frogs, and even an occasional black bear passes through our horse pastures and
<br />the land of the proposed solar farm.
<br />
<br />In addition to destroying the aesthetic and rural charm of this special neighborhood, the
<br />security fencing of the proposed solar farm would cause significant hardship for the wildlife, by
<br />interrupting the natural corridor and habitat they are currently so fortunate to have and use
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