PC Packet 09-20-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 30,2011 City of New Brighton 803 Old Hwy 8 New Brighton,MN 55112 Peter Murlowski 1901 Sioux Blvd New Brighton, MN 55112 Attn: Dept of Community Development Re: 1901 Sioux Blvd Driveway Application My wife Patti and I, respectfully request that the Planning Commission&City Council consider the approval of adding a driveway to our front yard. This would entail adding a curb cut on Sioux Blvd and an approach on Kiowa Ave. Since this street has a low profile curb, it will not need a cut. We currently have a detached garage on Kiowa,with a drive approach. Here is some history on the property. My father, Henry Murlowski , developed Belair Park Addition in the late 1950's and built many of the houses in the development . He built this home in 1958 for my bachelor uncle(his brother, Isadore Murlowski) The original home was a replica of a 1761 colonial home. The house has been added on to several times, either by my father or me, over the years. Isadore was an antique dealer and the entire house is decorated in 18`h century decor. My uncle passed away in 2001 and one of his wishes was that the home would be kept in the family.Unfortunately,none of the heirs were in a position to buy the home, so it was sold to a private party. The house was occupied by this individual from 2002 until 2011. He did not maintain the home very well and was 6 years behind in property taxes. The house had been on the market for several years but had no takers. The owner approached me to buy the home in 2010 and we made a deal this past spring.My wife&I moved in June 1,2011 . Our intent was to restore the property to its past grandeur and make it once again the Murlowski family gathering location, for years to come. I have several reasons for needing to do this project. One,the existing driveway is extremely short. Once you park a vehicle in it the end sticks out into the street, as you can see in the photos provided. This creates a very hazardous condition. Two,my wife Patti has Multiple Sclerosis and has a very difficult time parking in the existing driveway and making her way through the detached garage and into the rear entry of the house.Her condition is deteriorating and this situation will only get worse. With the proposed drive, she will be able to pull directly up to the front door, and easily enter the house. Thirdly,the new drive will greatly enhance the curb appeal of the entire site. Currently the front yard is quite overgrown and we would thin out the overgrowth for the new drive and re-landscape the area. Thank you for considering this proposal. Sincerely, Peter J Murlowski Peter J. Murlowski