08-02-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Background I am the homeowner that lives at 275 Whispering Lane, the house directly across ITom the eastern driveway of the proposed condo/apartment building. I designed and built my home in 1996. I live there with my wife, daughter and father-in-law for whom we provide care. My home was recently appraised as being worth $350,000, which is about 10% more than its building cost 8 years ago. The. lot price was $40,000 when we built. This year's property taxes were nearly $4000 on a tax- appraised value of $315,000. I mention this only in support of the potential financial impact that this project. will have on me and my neighbors. . -"' The statements here are my own, and are, to the best of my knowledge correct. Naturally, I have an opinion about this project or I wouldn't be bothering with this; but I am trying to stay factual and to avoid hyperbole. Neighborhood History The bulk of Whispering Lane and Crestview Drive were developed in the 1980s and 1990s. Most of the homes were in place for many years before we built in 1996. These are predominantly upscale, single-family homes. A few twin homes were added in 2002 on the lower end of Whispering Lane; these also are upscale. On the west side of the proposed development site are Summit Point Drive and Glenlou Way. This area has been developed in high-quality twin homes in the last few years (townhouses?). My understanding is that all this property was. owned by a single owner who resided in Edina. Originally, the area plan called for townhouses and higher density housing. Apparently the city signed a contract with the owner of the property in 1985 which allows higher density housing (up to 90 units) on the lots in question. Why this was done, and whether this was proper, I don't know; it is not appropriate now in light of how the neighborhood evolved. The area's demand was for single-family homes. Over the years the large lots were re-platted and sold for single-family homes. The buyers were typically told that the neighborhood was to be single-family homes and townhouses. Although the zoning was still R-3, the universal expectation was that high-density wouldn't come because it is so vastly different than what existed. Now, the only remaining undeveloped land is the lot in question and smaller adjoining plots. The Whispering Lane/Crestview neighborhood was particularly unique in that these lots were independent of any particular builder. As a result, there has been a wide variety of designs, but of consistent quality and taste. The neighborhood is unique in its variety of styles, it is eclectic in a very good way.