May 1, 2015 Tree Committee of Saint Helena 1480 Main Street St. Helena, CA 94574 Subject: 1250 Spring Brook Court new residential construction project We live in (as full time residents) and own our home at 2070 Spring Street. The entire back of our property will face the potentially huge development at the above address. This residential project appears to be a shoehorned in to the size of the lot. The plans (A1 through A3) that we reviewed on March 21, 2015, shared by Jeff and Laurel Howard neighbors of 1250 Spring Brook Court, could potentially harm the majestic oaks along Spring Creek and Spottswoode Vineyards that we have enjoyed since purchasing our property 17 years ago. Our concern is a large portion of the proposed building site is very close to a "blue line" creek with what appears to be heritage California Oaks growing on both sides of the creek. The architect plans show very symmetrical (round) canopies from several of the oaks along the creek. We are concerned that these plans do not accurately show the true canopy and potential drip lines from each of the trees. From a bird’s eye view, this development will take up almost every inch of allowed space from the lot’s setbacks. The current plans as we have seen bring a couple questions to mind. Is there a way to confirm the true canopy of these oaks that are on the architects drawings? How does one ensure the new structure conforms to those setbacks and protects the oaks? Can you build that close to the creek and the heritage California Oaks as shown in their plans? What precautions must be made to protect those trees during building? We invite any member from the Committee to visit our back yard and visualize the scope of this project. We will happily walk to the edge of above address. We ask you to look into this current project and make sure it meets all aspects of our city ordinances. It would be a shame to lose any of these beautiful oaks along the creek. Sincerely, Jeff and Laurie Conwell 963-1568 or [email protected]