July 12, 1996

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Dear 2:

In January 1996 we moved from Elm Grove into our new home in Robinwood Estates. Our move to Franklin was prompted in part because we were looking for a community with a master plan clearly defining the residential areas. I visited the Franklin planning department to research the location of our property and was informed that no changes to the master plan would occur.

I now find out that the planning commission has recommended for approval a special use permit to rezone the property at the northeast corner of 76th Street and Drexel from single family residence to allow the building of a community based retirement facility.

I strongly oppose this proposed change because of the following reasons:

1.	Individuals such as myself built homes in this area with the assurance that the master plan was the document that would guide the expansion of the Franklin residential neighborhoods.

2.	Changes as proposed will surely result in "rezoning creep." In 1996 the corner property is rezoned. In 1997 the adjacent property is rezoned. The "rezoning creep" will continue into the future and the character of the intended single-family residence neighborhood will change dramatically.

3.	There was little or no discussion by the Planning Commission regarding the standards for granting special use permits. At least two of the standards would be violated if this special use permit is granted:

A)	This facility will impair the orderly development and improvement of surrounding property that is currently zoned as single family residence.

B)	This facility will diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood because of this zoning change and the threat of future zoning changes.

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July 12, 1996

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4.	The applicant states that the facility will be used for elderly patients afflicted with Alzheimer/Dementia. The neighbors have completed research that indicates the State license of the applicant is substantially broader and would permit alcohol and drug rehabilitation, criminal repatriation, and other diseases.

The proposed facility is designed to provide for four distinct patient units. If occupancy was below expectations for the intended use, the facility would most likely market the other licensed services. These other afflictions are not suitable for a simple family residence neighborhood .

Franklin is a vast community with a substantial amount of land zoned for business purposes that would be suitable for the proposed community based retirement facility. Please do not destroy the integrity of the master plan and destroy the planned residential neighborhoods!

Very truly yours,

Robert and Ann Berkopec