HomeMy WebLinkAboutDorine Gratwohl SEP 2 9 2003
Letter to the Editor
Laurel Outlook
Laurel, Montana 59044 CITY OF LAUREL
I am writing to express my concern with regard to the property known as Tracts A1 and BI of the
Sheridan Subdivision, Certificate of Survey No. 2039, located near Montana Avenue and the alley of
the 200 block of East Maryland Lane.
I have petitioned the Laurel City Council Planning Board to examine the proposed consh-uction for
this property by Mr. Patrick Mullaney. Mr. Mullaney has told the council that he plans to build a 24'
x 62' 4-stall garage followed by the construction of a single-family dwelling. My concern, and the
concern of many other residents sm'~unding this property, is that Mr. Mullaney will build his garage
and then abandon the plan to build a home, leaving the area looking like a warehouse-type district
rather than a residential district.
Originally this property was gifted to Mr. Mullaney by Clarence Sonstegaard with the understanding
that Mr. Mullaney would plant the property with a row of trees and keep the property mown and
groomed so as to improve the land as well as the view ofthe home owners immediately to the west
of tho alley.
To this end, I attended the City Council meeting held September 4, 2003 to make sure this item was
brought to their attention. After I had spoken to the council, Mr. Mullaney informed them that he
had honored the agreement and that he had been planting trees and keeping the property well
groomed.
Giving Mr. M,11aqey the benefit of the doubt, at this time there are currently at most four trees
planted on the property given by Mr. Sonstegaard - I actually only can see 2 because I'm not aware
of the precise beginning of his original property and the property gifted to him. However, even
giving him this "benefit of the doubt", four trees is hardly a "row" for two tracts of land. I have
photographed the area in dispute because Mr. Mullaney basically denied everything I said when he
addressed the Council. I have given copies of these pictures to the clerk in the City Water ofl~ce to
be forwarded to the Council for their next meeting on October 7, 2003. These pictures very clearly
show the lack of number of trees on this property even though Mr. Mullaney has had 8 or 9 years to
I will again attend the City Council meeting and try to make them see that it is not in the best interest
ofthe couuaanlty already living in this area for Mr. Mullaney to be allowed to build a garage first
and then build the home. Past experience by others has shown this action to he a very distinct
possibility. If he were to build the home first followed by the garage, there would be no objection.
To this end I am asking that the City Council amend the Planning Board's recommendation to allow
the garage to he built Cu~ with the house to be built within 18 months.
A concerned resident,
Dorine G-ratwohl
September 2, 2003
Laurel City Council Planning Board
Laurel City Council
Laurel, Montana 59044
RE: Proposed Construction
To Whom It May Concern:
Those of us living on and around the area of Sheridan Subdivision near Montana Avenue and the alley of the
300 block of East Maryland Lane are deeply concerned about the proposed construction planned by Pat
Mullaney.
This land was given to Mr. Mullan~y by Mr. Clarence Sonstegaard upon the understanding that he would be
planting trees on that lot so as to obscure the view of all oftbe automobiles and other equipment visible from
our windows which are on the Oeorge Metzger property. Mr. Mullaney has not honored this. We also ask that
Mr. Mullaney be required to maintain the propexty to mowing and grooming the land
Instead he is proposing building a 24'x 62' square foot 4-stall garage and a housing structure, from what we are
told by him it is to be single family. However single family homes in that area do not require a 4-stall garage.
That is more in keeping with the multiple units housing being built just a little further east on Maryland lane.
If at all possible, we, the residents of this neighborhood, would like to make sure that Mr. Mullaney is held to
his agreement with Mr. Sonstngeard and that no building be allow on that lot. We feel that his building plans
will bring down the value of our homes and allow in a type of people that would create upset and upheaval in
our quiet, elderly neighborhood, Most of us with domiciles in this area are retired and appreciate the peace and
quiet. Ifa multiple housing complex for low income families is allowed to be built in this area we feel that it
will upset that balance.
Thank you very much for your kind consideration in this matter. We hope for an amicable solution for all
parties.
Sincerely,
The Residents of the Sheridan Subdivison of East
Maryland Lane and Montana Avenue