My name is Richard Van Horn III, and my wife, Lisa and I, along with our
two children, live at 2040 Menalto Avenue. I frequently walk through
the neighborhood and the alleys, including the one behind Michelle
Harbottle's home. I understand that some neighbors appealed the approval
of the use permit and now Michelle has been asked to return to the
Planning Commission and to design a one story with access from Menalto.
 
I understand that in order to comply with the zoning ordinance, the net
effect will be a structure with about 600 feet of living space. I
believe that it is in the best interests of the neighborhood to allow
Michelle an opportunity to work with her neighbors and come up with a
reasonable solution for all concerned. Given the time, effort, and
costs to date, it seems like Michelle has the best chance of working out
a solution at the City Council level. I have gotten to know Michelle
and her family through the dog park at Willow Oaks and they are an asset
to the neighborhood and have expressed a sincere desire to reach a
consensus with the neighbors.
 
I have been following this process for some time as I may face similar
hurdles if I choose to add to my home. For the record the Condo's behind
my home are two stories. Yes they where there when I bought my home and
yes landscaping shields my backyard very well. From the plans I review
Michelle's landscaping appeared adequate to address her neighbor's
concerns. I do not under stand why the request was made to allow "only"
Menalto access to the rear home. The city block in question currently
has three ally facing homes with ally "only" access.
 
Thank you,
 
Richard Van Horn III
Homeowner
2040 Menalto Avenue
Menlo Park.
 
Received on Tue Jan 25 15:44:33 2005