PD161-CS 970722']-29-]99~ 4:33P~ FRO~ AUERBACH T~YLOR ~9304S7 P. 2
July
Dear Mr. Alexander:
This letter confirms the understanding of residents in Cambridge Manor Estates regarding
the specific definition of the buffer zone to the west of CME. Our first concern is that the
plat needs to be amended to include a longer buffer zone, and the second concern is that
the buffer zone "no-build, no-fill" be clarified to not allow cutting any trees including
understory trees.
(I As you will recall, the boundary of the natural buffer zone, recommended by P&Z
commission and passed on by the Council. is to be "behind 'all lots having existing trees."
The drawing submitted at the City Council meeting June 12, unfortunately showed a
buffer zone only through lot #6 because Brentwood represented the plat as having no 8"
trees in areas south of lot #6, Brentwood's current model home. However, as was
brought up at the Council meeting, trees do in fact extend behind lots # 5, 4, and 3.
Photos enclosed attest to that fact. Because the trees are between 8"-3" in diameter, you
explained to us at the Council meeting that during the final plating stage, these trees
would be identified and saved under our city tree ordinance. The buffer zone would
therefore be extended southward at least to lot #3.
(2 The second concern is in response to Mr. Andersen's asking that the Council allow
cutting w/thin the no build, no fill buffer zone, so that trees less than 8" can be cleared
and a grassy area installed. Fortunately the City Council did not respond to that request
on June 12. We would like the P& Z and Engineering Departments to clarify to Dowdy
Andersen that their idea for clearing is contrary to the intention of the council and
citizens. We need to keep the valley storage integrity of this land to prevent flooding, and
to maintain the natural surface to achieve this. The buffer zone also serves as a privacy
barrier, which the National Homebuilder's Association has shown to be a very high value
added feature to property, esthetics not withstanding. We do not concur with Anderson's
wish to cut understory trees and plant grass, which would require extensive irrigation
piping and maintenance. This is a natural buft'er, not a manicured park, that we want
conserved.
In closing, we are still concerned that elevations of the property and each lot have not
been produced. Elevations would hopefully clear up much apprehension. In March
Brentwood and Anderson stated that they would bring 4-5' fill in order to make lots level
from the front to the back of each property, not just in the building envelope. They would
also consider moving soil from the south of the property to filI the north. This vast
amount of fill will kill thousands of trees and drastically reduce valley storage, increasing
the likelihood of damaging rainwater runoff to homes along Denton Creek. It also puts
the retaining wall structures of CMi~ lots #2-5, at risk. The owners of lot ge2, David and
Maria Colondres, have also expressed concern about the closeness of the Stratford
building envelope to their property line. The Stratford elevation, being eight feet above
'1-29-199S A:33PM FROM AUERBACH TA~LOR A930AS7
their home, produces a house that would "tower" into their yard. Perhaps a solution is to
extend the buffer zone to include lot #2.
As of this date we ask for a meeting with Mr. Andersen as they prepare the final plat for
submission to P&Z Commission. We are copying this letter to Mr. Bill Andersen of
Dowdy Andersen and Mr. Bob Delsanter to communicate to us the plans for the
elevation, amount of fill, no build/no fill principles, retaining wall impacts, and retained
trees behind our homes. The safety and value of our homes is at stake.
Our conclusion is that the no-build, no-fill (and no-cut) zone should extend at least
through lot #3 and the privacy/elevation issues of lots #2 and #3 must be addressed. We
look forward to .seeing this detail on the plans before the next planning and zoning
meeting.
Thank you again for your follow-up with the city staff on this.
Sincerely,
Maria and David Colondres
Bill and Barbara Horn
Ernest and Jeanette Auerbach
Enclosures
¢:
Mayor Candy Sheehan
Jim Witt, Gary Sieb, Ken Griffin
Bill Anderson, Dowdy Anderson: Please call Maria Colondres,
meeting with impacted homeowners.
Bob Delsanter, Brentwood Builders
P&Z Commission Members
City Council Members
393-9853, to set