HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #01 Leslie & Ray Kamstra
Butler, Bric
From:Leslie Mendoza Kamstra <mendoza.kamstra@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, March 20, 2025 2:51 PM
To:Butler, Bric
Subject:Letter Opposing Oak Ridge Variance
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Dear Carmel BZA,
Thank you for the opportunity to share our concerns regarding the variance requested at 13654 Oak
Ridge Road. We live adjacent to the property to the South at 1036 West 136th St.
We are opposed to the current plan. Our primary concern is that building a 28' x 36' detached garage
would negatively impact our property value. Our back patio faces the proposed building and we have
a lovely view of the grassy area and trees in the VOMC common area, which is one of the reasons
we purchased our home. If the variance is granted, we would see a very large new garage right next
to the other 2-car garage they already own.
The Village of Mount Carmel is an older neighborhood with small to medium sized homes and detached
garages have not been allowed by the HOA for reasons like these - they can bring down property values.
We believe that the 75% rule makes sense for our neighborhood.
128% of garage compared to dwelling is a lot for two people.
The petitioner already enjoys special privileges in our neighborhood. Their shed is well into park property
along with nearly half of their fenced in area. The property is adjacent to the VOMC Inc. common area
with a pool, tennis courts and a park. See photo.
Rather than granting more special privileges, we believe it’s time to ask Nathan and Kristen to move their
things out of our common area and use their own yard.
The other adjacent property to the South - lot 349 - asked me to add their concerns about drainage. Their
yard floods with heavy rains and is downhill from the Dinges property. The rainwater accumulates on the
street at the roundabout. Our property is also downgrade from the Dinges yard and we also experience
drainage issues, which compromise our home and property value. By cutting down such a large, mature
tree to add a 1,008 square foot building and reducing the permeable surface, that will definitely add to
the drainage issue as there will be less natural absorption of rain water. We are requesting a grading and
drainage plan to resolve this.
For these reasons, we encourage the BZA to adhere to city code and deny a variance in this case.
Thank you,
Leslie and Ray Kamstra
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