03D - Preliminary Plat of Island Vista - Hemmerich

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Pequot Lakes City Hall From: Tim Brastrup[tim.brastrup @dnr.state.mn.us] jent: Thursday, July 14, 2005 5:10 PM `''To: cityhall @pequotlakes-mn.gov Subject: Comments on Preliminary Plat of Island Vista Dear Dawn Bittner, Nancy from the City of Pequot Lake provided a copy of the Staff Report on this proposed platt, and I thank her for that. As I read through the report it became obvious to me that the proposal fits the zoning standards for lakeshore development at this time. I would, however, like to appeal to you, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and the owner, to attempt to soften the eventual and imminent impacts to Sibley Lake. What I mean by this is to recommend a lower level of resident/home density, the creation of an outlot or placing deed restrictions on some of the shorline (a portion of each lot, maybe % of it) left in natural habitat with no vegetation removal and no shoreline modifications etc. I also believe that the lot sizes should be at least 30,000 square feet, rather than around 25 or 26, 000. My reasoning is that since it has been fairly well demonstrated over the years that lakeshore development greatly impacts lake habitat, water quality and fish communities, more should be done now to prevent future problems. Sibley Lake is already a victim and reflection of some poor land use in the watershed including home building. Water quality is declining and it is becoming more difficult to manage a fishery when so much habitat has been altered. It will only get worse with more development. I have no misgivings about somebody subdividing their lot, however, 7 more homes on this parcel seems to be excessive. My opinion is that instilling a conservation ethic now will prevent some problems, will serve as a model for future land management, will still allow the owner to greatly increase his/her monetary gainsds from the subdivision, and will show other zoning authorities that Pequot Lakes is a leader in lakeshore protection rather than a follower �,�f antiquated standards - status quo. The lakes in this, admittedly popular and beautiful part of the state, are getting more eutrophic and more crowded over time and the rate is increasing commensurate with the demand for lakeshore. I feel that it would be prudent to go a step forward and protect some of the values that exist now because it will pay huge dividends in the future. Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to comment on this preliminary platt. You may call me with questions at 218/833-8636. Sincerely yours, Tim Brastrup, DNR, Area Fisheries Supervisor Brainerd. 1