HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #093 Randy & Linda Shurzinske - second submissionAugust 4, 2020
Randy and Linda Shurzinske
2899 Maralice Dr
Foster Estates (lot 72 on north perimeter of proposed development).
Dear Planning Committee Members:
This is a follow-up letter in opposition to this project based on the newest proposal, so I’ll get right to the
point.
1. House count and lot size measurements not adding up.
Based on these 4 areas the number of houses is potentially underestimated by 25%.
The plot in the packet is not to scale. If this amount of error applies to the rest of the development the
potential house count could be 187. The PUD should limit the number of units as well as defining lot
sizes.
2. Additional questionable math.
a. The current plan estimates the reduction of 20 lots will cost $10,000,000 of assessment. This
assumes all units are valued at $500,000. I live in Foster Estates with a brick house with 4,800 sq ft
on a third of an acre and am assessed at 474,000. I find it very hard to believe the units will
command $500,000 at a fraction of the square footage in terms of land and dwelling.
b. The setback drawing on page 6 of the packet indicates the existing subdivisions are 20 feet from
property line. Actually, the setback is almost 60 feet.
3. 10 lots are currently in the power line easement.
From Duke Energy easement regulations:
The following are not permitted in Duke Energy’s transmission easements as they interfere with Duke Energy’s use of the
easements for transmission of electricity by, among other things, interfering with full use the easement, interfering with
existing facilities, interfering with access to the facilities, interfering with future expansion in the easement, increasing the
danger to the public or those who may be required to work in the easement, creating regulatory violations and generally,
making the transmission of electricity more dangerous, costly and/or unreliable: Examples include but are not limited to:
Permanent or temporary structures and buildings, including for example, permanent or manufactured/mobile homes (and
home additions and extensions), garages, sheds, satellite systems, intersections, cul-de-sacs, entrances, streets, swimming
pools (any associated equipment and decking), playground equipment, graves, billboards, dumpsters, signs, wells, deer
stands, retaining walls, septic systems or tanks (whether above or below ground).
Mounding or stockpiling any material, such as spoils, dirt, logs, construction or building material, wrecked or disabled
vehicles, (e.g. may create clearance and access issues and/or increases dangers in using the easement).
4. Tree buffer remains an issue.
Currently at 20 feet. On the north perimeter the trees are predominately 40-50 foot black walnuts.
Walnut toxicity will prevent most plants from growing in the root zone.
The roots for these trees extend about 20 feet out from the trunk so essentially all trees in the 20-foot
preservation zone will die because the swale will be cut into this root zone. The following picture
illustrates both issues from my own backyard. My pine trees have gradually died over the years as the
root zone has expanded. The green tree in the picture is a walnut tolerant hemlock.
5. Why are there no floor plans in the packet? COVID has certainly caused people to rethink their housing
needs being quarantined. Is there acceptable office space in these homes? Space for fitness
equipment?
6. Finally, we are told of the demand for new houses. On the southeast corner of 151st and Carey there is
a similar high-density development. These houses are two story with 3 car garages. There are only 1 or
2 currently under construction with many empty unsold lots. How long will it take to complete this
development under current economic conditions? Note the substantial buffer between developments
of different styles.
Thank you for your consideration of these issues.