HomeMy WebLinkAboutA003 - Letter from Kurt & Melba Olson dated August 10, 2011 Windows Live Hotmail Print Message Page 1 of 2
Prairie Flower
AUG 10 2011
CITY CLERK
CITY OF AMES,10',NA
To the Zanl!/l1(f730Ap b oF-At>j--uS rat Ej
We are writing this letter in opposition to the Special Use Permit requested by Prairie Flower Children's
Center to run a preschool at 2807 Duff.
There are several concerns:
1. A residential neighborhood is an inappropriate location for a business, even if it is only 17
students and their teachers.
2. The yellow vinyl hanging banner used by Prairie Flower is an indication of their lack of concern for
aesthetics of the area.
3. Turning onto Duff is always treacherous given the location on a curve, low area with a hill. So the
added traffic will not aid the situation.
4. The parking lot is not paved. Dirt and mud run off onto Duff that collects along the curb and
street to the south in low area. More traffic in and out, more erosion.
5. It is an extension of current use, but with younger children for 9 months, 5 days a week, instead of
3 months with older children and occasional use during school breaks.
We are also concerned with the site selection for running a preschool.
1. Turning onto and off of Duff Avenue is hazardous. Traffic does not adhere to the 30 mph speed
zone. Often traffic moves at the rate of 40 to 45 mph, sometimes 50mph.We have seen many
emergency personnel drive by at very fast speeds.In the winter weather cars lose control on the
hill and end up in the parking areas, yards and even the ravine.
2. Children going to the park to the south have to walk along the narrow curbside, perilously close
to oncoming traffic. There is no sidewalk.At the street light it is narrower and makes passage 2-3
feet only.
3. Fencing is of poor condition behind the facility,where a steep drop-off could be deemed
hazardous.
4. The terrain slopes towards Duff Avenue. Children playing with balls will ultimately end up near
Duff Avenue traffic.
5. The area is frequented by animals. On several occasions Ames Animal Control has been called to
destroy sick raccoons.
6. Snow removal from dirt parking lot must be timely or they will be parking on the Duff.
7. The residential area zone grew after the establishment was deeded to Camp Fire of America but
the Camp use has also changed from it's original mission and use.It is also now supported and
property owned by the City of Ames, with support also from United Way of Story County.So the
residential area around this proposed preschool should not be considered secondary in
importance in how Camp Canwita decides to use the Camp.
8. The Camp being used as a preschool is not servicing or making a positive impact to the area by
being there.We have Northwood Preschool Center(181 children)two blocks away.
If the Permit is approved, we would expect the City to enforce the 30 mph speed limit, request the
business to install non-intrusive signage, and limit the number of students. We would also suggest that
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the dumpster be re sized to prevent it from overflowing and attracting animals and it's unsightly
appearance.
Sincerely,
Kurt& Melba Olson, 2810 Duff Avenue Ames, IA 50010 515-232-8727 kmolson7@msn.com
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