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already met with the DNR and they gave a verbal approval of the placement of the home as it is proposed. Earl Larson, 14480 Bowers Drive, Ramsey, stated that one of the points he felt was sidetracked in the meeting in February is the subject of aesthetics, referring to the appearance of the neighborhood. He explained that he has lived on Bowers Drive for over 40 years and has pride in the ownership, and if the variance that is applied for is approved the aesthetics in the entire neighborhood will be in jeopardy. The lot for which the variance has been applied for is Lot 30 and the original driveway for Lot 30 has a container of used oil next to it. Mr. Larson reviewed pictures that were taken last fall of debris that was left from the tear down of the original structure and the trees that were cut down without a permit from the DNR or the City. He also presented pictures of the current conditions of Lot 30. Mr. Larson's second point was that the bluff line is nothing more than the remnants of the old ox cart trail and that there is only one bluff line, not two. He stated that currently the foliage protects residents from viewing the existing conditions but once fall rolls around it will be viewable to all the adjacent properties. The other concern of Mr. Larson was the precedent that would be set if the variance was granted to Mr. Boyum. He stated that if the variance is granted, the remaining empty lots on both sides of Bowers Drive are going to be subject to a lesser building code and deteriorate property values. He stated that the City should adhere to the current code. Mr. Larson stated that he is adamantly opposed to the variance request. Board Member Dempsey stated that there was some attempt at negotiating an additional setback amount of five feet back and questioned Mr. Larson's reason for rejecting it. Mr. Larson replied that he was opposed to the five feet because it would not accomplish anything. Chairperson Nixt inquired if Mr. Larson had to rebuild his home for some reason, would he expect the City to allow him to build in the previous location. Mr. Larson replied yes, because they have been there since 1964. Carol Larson, 14480 Bowers Drive, Ramsey, stated that one thing Mr. Boyum failed to state is that the area that he wants to construct his home on is only 80 feet wide not 100 feet and when they built their home they built it in its present location because of what was located around them, never anticipating that another home would be built so close to their property line. She stated that Mr. Boyum created the situation by reducing the size of Lot 31 to accommodate the existing home instead of moving the entire foundation. She feels that the area should be preserved in its natural state and that the City should follow existing building codes. Ms. Larson explained that their main living area will be directly adjacent to Mr. Boyum's home and have a significant impact on their lives. She questioned how Mr. Boyum can construct a walk out on a flat lot with excavation prohibited along the river. She stated that if the Board of Adjustment were to grant Mr. Boyum the variance he would be given a special privilege because he is requesting the City to change the building codes to accommodate him. She felt that Mr. Boyum Board of Adjustment/September 5, 2000 Page 4 of 8