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We built our farm and have resided here for a quarter of a century. We know our property <br />intimately. The topography of the land along Sunfish Lake is quite steep. The same <br />topography exists on the eastern and western bordering wetlands. There would need to be <br />retaining walls built to support a trail near the water. Knowing these walls would be <br />expensive to build, along with cost of ongoing maintenance and upkeep, makes this an <br />unlikely option. <br />The other alternative discussed was to acquire enough property to construct a "boulevard" <br />on the plateau. This option would utilize numerous acres of developmental property <br />along with destroying beautiful mature oak trees in the process and is, in our opinion, <br />simply not an option. <br />As you know, there will be requirements for park and trails during the platting process <br />and those topics will be addressed at that time. As many Ramsey residents have <br />expressed in the past, we do not see a trail between homes and the lake or crossing <br />backyard property lines as beneficial for the homeowner and certainly not beneficial to <br />their privacy. We anticipate a plan with trails on sidewalks throughout the future <br />development of Thomaswood Farms with a possible "feeder trail" to the Ramsey School <br />either on the most northerly or most southerly access of the new development. <br />We also feel it is not wise to remove valuable property from the tax rolls. You will find <br />that valuations on lakeshore homes are higher than standard single family homes. <br />Ramsey's developable land assets should be preserved as future tax base. <br />In our opinion, the lakeshore on the southwest quarter of Sunfish Lake, which is already <br />owned by the City, is adequate to design an amenity for every one to use and enjoy. We <br />absolutely do not agree with the notion of acquiring more lakeshore and land for your <br />park plan. <br />In closing, we want to say we were delighted to bring a new concept to Ramsey with The <br />Village of Sunfish Lake. We look forward to submitting a unique and distinctive plan <br />for Thomaswood Farms in the future. <br />Respectfully, <br />Tom and Patti Kurak <br />15001 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW <br />Ramsey, MN 55303 <br />763 -422 -9843 <br />