Alice Pickering
Linwood Area ReporterRecognizing a distinct hardship to the land, the Linwood Town Board indicated its willingness to support Robert Cartier if he makes a variance request about setbacks on his lot. His lot fronts on both Feather St. and Martin Lake Road, a narrow one-way alley. His street address is on the narrow street, but existing buildings are closer to Feather St.
To meet front lot setbacks on both ends of his lot would greatly reduce his potential building site. For purposes of requesting a variance Feather St. will serve as the rear lot line.
Chair Dave Tryon repeated the request for a survey, a firm decision about the location of buildings and septic site.
For now, 209th Lane will remain unpaved. The road and bridge committee has not given high priority to this street for upgrades.
Despite the fact six of eight residents want the street paved, unless all residents are on-board, the township will not risk the possibility of someone contesting the project.
Board reports
Jason Hall, project manager for Nextel, sought clarification about setback requirements for commercial property. The company is trying to work out details with Carlisle Properties to build a phone-tower on land south of Viking Blvd. at 21873 Typo Creek Drive.
Carlisle Properties representatives want a decision on setbacks and whether other commercial buildings could be built on the land between the proposed tower and the road. No one from the family attended.
Existing ordinances prohibit building other structures within the radius equal to the height of the tower, the free fall zone. The questions remained unanswered until Attorney Gerald Randall checks on the ordinances.
Reporting for the Cemetery Committee, Cindy Gruett showed sketches of the proposed memorial area within Linwood Cemetery. The selected area is roughly, 60 feet long and 30 feet deep, parallel to the southern cemetery road.
Four trees are planned for the area and benches are to be placed there.
In addition, the group wants to locate an underground cistern which can be filled for warm months and emptied for winter.
Some final adjustments need to be made for the location. The Wayne Ayers family, offering the memorial for wife and mother Carol Ayers, is working with the group. Ayers said he hopes to get the trees planted in August or September. His family will provide care for the trees.
Based on planning and zoning recommendation, the board approved a variance request for Patrick and Elisabeth Hensley, 7930 242nd Ave. NE, to build a garage closer to the road than their house and closer to the road than the ordinance allows. Because of the designated alternate septic site, there is no other place on the lot for the garage.
Supervisor Marie Holm said this is the only place they can do it and they are ìreally stuck.î A certificate of survey must be on file in township office before a building permit will be issued.
The board also followed P & Z recommendation approving a correction to a preliminary plat of Steven Strandlandís Sunrise Preserve, 2nd addition.
The sketch plan for the additional development was approved subject to final interpretation of ordinances. According to Strandland, the area to be developed is either very high or wetlands. Because of wetlands he proposes street access for one lot through an easement across another lot.
The design of the cul-de-sac bubble turns right, opposite direction from the ordinances. However, this also means no wetlands will be filled. Results of the research will be available at the Aug. 10 meeting.
After long discussion the board agreed to require a discretionary environmental assessment worksheet for Shadow Ridge development as proposed by Richard Kilian.
The proposed development includes 43 lots on Ryan Lake Drive. Two sharp curves on the road are to be redesigned.
Randall was directed to send follow-up letters to homeowners who have been directed to clean up lots. Progress has been made on some projects but others need to be worked on.
The question of ìlegalî mailboxes has been turned over to the road and bridge commission for study.
The concern is that some are reported by snowplow drivers as being illegal, i.e. posted too close to the road edge.
Because township residents have made requests for information, the township will publish the number of fire department runs. Randall advised that this is legal for the township.
Family Fun Day
Linwood Family Fun Day is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to help schedule and organize various tournaments. Teams are wanted for volleyball, softball, and tennis.
Vendors and crafters are welcome.
Those seeking information or wishing to volunteer are invited to call 651-462-5565.
Other business
In other business, the board:
ïDenied an interim use permit to T-Mobile USA, to place its antenna on the Nextel Communication Tower, for lack of information.
ïDenied a request for a variance for Keith Hessley, even though his request had been withdrawn. This meets 60-day rules on decisions.
ïApproved a variance for Pete Sobiech to build a garage closer to the road than his house.
ïApproved a preliminary plat lot split for David D. Verness, Kingley Wooded Shores.
ïFrom owners of Linwood Storage, learned of expansion plans, with no change in use.
ïPassed a resolution, approving a one-day liquor license for Stacy Lions, allowing the group to sell liquor at the annual fire department dance on October 9.
ïLearned from Randall, that follow-up letters to residents who have lots to clear; recognizing work done and encouraging the process.
ïAccepted the resignation of Kevin Glazed from the police protection committee.
ïAccepted the resignation of Kara S. Rossin from the park board.
ïApproved payment of the bills, in the amount of $9446.16.
ïApproved the content of the township newsletter for the printer July 28.
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