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Date: October 10, 2005 <br /> To: New Brighton Planning Commission, <br /> Re: Request for setback variance <br /> Our request is based on a revised proposal in which the garage addition is not <br /> encroaching on the front yard setback any more than the existing garage. This revised <br /> proposal does not block any sightlines from the street more than the existing house and <br /> garage and we believe is in line with the spirit of the code and ordinances. <br /> When looking at solving our challenge of adding needed space to our home, we <br /> originally explored all other options as to how we could sensibly expand our garage and <br /> living space. We looked at building a garage in the back yard and adding one to the <br /> opposite side (west) of the house from our proposed location. For physical and aesthetic <br /> reasons we believe that the options that we explored which would conform to the <br /> applicable codes and ordinances would create situations that are in even more conflict <br /> with the intent of those ordinances that apply to our situation. <br /> The unique hardships of our situation are as follows: <br /> 1. Shape of lot—We are contending with an outward arc lot line on the street side of <br /> our lot that results in a true pie shaped lot which creates extra area being allocated <br /> to the front yard than would normally be found on a lot of this size. This also <br /> creates a narrowing back yard which would be crowded by putting additional <br /> outbuildings in that area. <br /> 2. Slope of lot—The relatively gentle slope(1-2 % grade) of our front yard to a <br /> increasingly steep side yard slope (9-10 % grade) which gives way to a much <br /> steeper slope in our back yard(14 to 18% grade) which creates engineering, <br /> drainage and aesthetic problems that are prohibitive to overcome in a back yard <br /> garage option. <br /> 3. Affect on neighboring property values -Adding a Garage addition on the West <br /> side of our home, while conforming, would create a home that would look like a <br /> twin home in an RI neighborhood. This option creates the need for a much larger <br /> driveway and would not be a popular choice in trying to protect neighboring <br /> property values. <br /> In light of these conditions we would most appreciate your approval to grant us the <br /> ability to construct a garage addition that is aesthetically pleasing and adding value to the <br /> neighborhood. <br /> Regards, <br /> Steve and Judy Kuczenski <br />