-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Nus [mailto:JNus@USGA.org]
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 3:53 PM
To: Charles Soules
Cc: suehack@sunflower.com; mdever@sunflower.com; robchestnut@sunflower.com; boog@lawrence.ixks.com; mikeamyx515@hotmail.com
Subject:

Dear Director Soules and City Commissioners:

My name is Jeff Nus and I and my wife, Lina, reside at 1032 Rogers Place here in Lawrence.  The purpose of this correspondence is to request permission to re-build the privacy fence of our backyard which borders the north side of Harvard Drive between Lawrence Avenue and Kasold Drive.  I have been instructed to make this request in writing to Public Works Director, Chuck Soules, with copies to each City Commissioner.  That is the purpose of this correspondence.

Lina and I purchased this property nearly two years ago.  At that time, the residence and property had been allowed to deteriorate for several years.  Although we knew it would take a lot of work, we both felt that it would be worth the investment.  To date, we have spent over $60,000 in remodeling improvements to the house and several thousands of dollars to improve the landscape.

When we purchased the property, there was an existing privacy fence bordering Harvard Drive approximately 14 feet from the inside edge of the Harvard Drive north curb.  This fence was in very poor shape and needed to be replaced.  The wooden pickets were in poor shape and large (greater than three inches in diameter), mature vines of poison ivy had overgrown the fence, representing a safety hazard to the neighborhood.  The large poison ivy vines had to be removed, and this could not be done without completely demolishing the fence and using chain saws and a skid loader to eliminate this hazardous condition.  At the same time, due to the degraded condition of the forested area on the property, many trees had to be removed, as well as severe pruning of dead and dying branches on the remaining trees.  The tree work alone cost over $3,500. 

Since I am an expert in turfgrass management, I completely reseeded the entire area with improved turf-type tall fescues.  This included reseeding, fertilizing, irrigating, and regular mowing of the city right-of-way area—a great improvement from the weed-infested, poison ivy-laden, eyesore that was the previous condition of the property.  Now that all that is completed, I request permission to re-build the privacy fence at the same distance from the Harvard Drive curb where the original fence existed. 

In response to permission to build this fence at its original distance from the Harvard Drive curb, I would be willing not to extend it completely to the eastern border of my property.  This would give the Public Works Department and utility companies truck access to power lines between this property and the property on Jana Drive.  The way that the property is currently platted, not enough space is available for such truck access.  However, I and my neighbors feel that such access is important, and I would be willing to make that property concession for permission to replace the demolished fence along the rear boundary of my backyard at the same 14 feet from the inside edge of the north curb of Harvard Drive. 

I think the most important impetus for this request is consistency.  Not only would it be consistent respective to its original location, it would also be consistent with the existing woods of my next-door neighbor just west of our property (1035 Rogers Place).  In addition, it would be consistent with existing fences bordering the northern curb of Harvard Drive (1036 Holiday Drive and 1039 Lawrence Avenue). 

If allowed to re-build the fence at the previous location, of course I am willing to remove the fence if the City of Lawrence Public Works Department or other utilities need access to that right-of-way area. 

It’s important for all the citizens of Lawrence to take pride in their community.  Lina and I have exhibited that spirit with this property, turning a run-down eyesore into what we hope will be a showcase residence.  Hopefully, with Lina’s love of plants and my three degrees in horticulture, we can prove to you that those words are not empty.  This request is central to that goal.  I respectfully submit this request to rebuild the privacy fence at 1032 Rogers Place at its original distance (14 feet) from Harvard Drive when we purchased the property with the caveat of creating truck access to the utility poles between our property and the property on Jana Drive.

I’d be glad to show you the intended location of the fence.  Certainly, this request would be easier to understand if you visit the property.  I’d be delighted to show you how this arrangement would be good for Lina and me, as well as the City of Lawrence.  Please don’t hesitate to call (865-4378 home, or 832-2300 office) or e-mail me if you’d like to visit the property.

Thank you very much for allowing me to make this request and for your time to consider it.  Lina and I look forward to hearing from you.   

Jeff Nus, Ph.D.
Research Manager
USGA Green Section
1032 Rogers Drive
Lawrence, KS  66049
785-832-2300  voice
785-832-9265  fax
http://usgatero.msu.edu