Lake Minnewashta Development Concerns - GuntherFrom:Steve Gunther
To:astenson@co.carver.mn.us; Eric.Johnson@bolton-menk.com; dmielke@co.carver.mn.us; abranhag@umn.edu;
diane.langenbach@state.mn.us; Ross.Tillman@bolton-menk.com; Bender, George;
hschnoes@minnehahacreek.org; Walters, MacKenzie
Cc:Adam Dirlam; Chad Gauger; Helen Gunther; Kevin Zahler; sarah marek; Lacek, Scott; Steve Gunther
Subject:Lake Minnewashta Development concerns - 21-20 Papke Parcel - Lake Minnewashta Peninsula
Date:Thursday, October 7, 2021 10:55:49 AM
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To representatives of:
City of Chanhassen
Carver County
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
I am the President of Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association
(LMPA, https://lakeminnewashta.org/) and am writing on behalf of the LMPA board to
voice our concern for the development proposed on the 21-20 Papke Parcel - Lake
Minnewashta Peninsula http://www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/1772/Lake-Minnewashta-
Peninsula-Parcel-Varian. This proposed development appears to be a potential
detriment to the lake environment, wetland environment and the neighborhood
environment. Building on land that is so close to the high water level and installing a
septic system so near to the lake appears to us to be irresponsible. We know with
global warming/climate change that we can easily have significantly more rain and
much higher lake levels. We need to pay attention to the science! The impact of a
failing septic system on the lake could be significant.
In addition, adding a new entrance to Highway 5 seems to be completely illogical. We
are aware that MDOT has plans to change this stretch of Highway 5 into a four lane
road in the future. We are also aware that both the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
and Crimson Bay Road have plans to change their connection to Highway 5. It seems
to be very problematic to now introduce a new interruption into Highway 5.
We are aware that the five vested parties are reviewing this variance request and that
a report will be made available by October 14, 2021. We are also a very vested party
and we wish to provide our input to that report as well. We hope and expect that
experts from the PCA and DNR are also being consulted in regards to this potential
multifold environmental hazard.
Please keep us well informed on the next steps for this review so that we can work
together to ensure the safety of our environment.
Sincerely,
Steve Gunther
president, Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association
stgunther@gmail.com
612-859-3729
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