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when Mr. Cummings kicked on their front door screaming threats and obscenities, after which the Cummings actually filed a police complaint against Ms. Kiziloglu. She explained that the applicants' previous sat on over an acre, which does create a certain expectation of privacy that cannot reasonably exist on the smaller lots found here. She said it has been made clear by the neighbors' actions that the applicants are not welcome and that they are expected to show a level of respect with which they are not similarly afforded. Mohammad Alcozan suggested that if someone were wishing to spy on their neighbor they would be more likely to do so from the interior of the home where they are less likely to be seen. Therefore, it is unlikely the proposed balcony would be used for anything other than quiet enjoyment of the applicants' own home. PJ Alfred said he lives on the other side of the Cummings family and believes that the applicants have been welcomed to the neighborhood. He said he is excited about the proposed enhancements to the home, which has fallen into some disrepair, but that he supports the Cummings' privacy concerns. Jacob Bayani stated that the Birdland area is a true neighborhood full of very friendly and welcoming residents. He said he was disappointed to see this level of contention and discord, particularly given his very friendly interactions with both parties. He said he supported the Planning Commission's decision and hoped that both families could move forward with a mind towards mending fences. Patricia Bosma, Birdland resident, said that privacy is essentially an illusion in this neighborhood. She explained that she has a view into the backyards of 5 of her neighbors, none of whom she has ever had any issue with or who have made her feel as though she was being watched in her own home. She said she was heartbroken to see such strife in what has always been such a welcoming neighborhood. She appreciated the applicants' desire to improve their property, which had degenerated to a disgraceful point, and thought this could only increase property values. She said her wish was the both families could come together and find agreement so that the division among the neighborhood can cease. Ms. Balgley said she never intended to suggest that one does not have a right privacy. Rather she was attempting to explain that one must look at the reality of the situation as presented or the level of privacy under existing conditions versus what would exist with the proposed project in its entirety. She maintained there would be no material difference. She cited 979 Rose Avenue, 4595 Gatetree circle, 6551 Arlington Drive, 409 Matthew Court, and 644 St. Mary Street as examples of rear-facing second- story balconies in the vicinity. She disagreed with Mr. Hague's comments regarding the photos presented and noted that there are in fact some depicting views from the second floor of the applicants' property. She said that any concerns related to noise and construction are effectively irrelevant given that the project has been approved and was not appealed on those bases. She reiterated that if the Council should agree that the balcony is not to be allowed, Condition of Approval No. 7 should also be eliminated in its entirety. This in no way changes her contention that the balcony should be approved. Mr. Cummings said he has repeatedly reached out to the Kiziloglus both before and throughout this process. He expressed regret that he no longer has a friendly relationship with Mr. Kiziloglu as he has enjoyed their conversations. He also said that he has been exposed to many global cultures throughout his life and believes anyone who knows him would be shocked to hear claims of racist behavior on his part. Betsy Cummings acknowledged that privacy is subjective and that the existing levels of privacy on her property are limited. She said her objection does not relate to who may or not be watching her family, but rather that the proposed balcony would provide an unfettered view of her entire backyard and effectively eliminate any sense of privacy that does exist. She suspected that if not for her own vegetation, the proposed balcony would expand the view shed to include a portion of the rear yard of City Council Minutes Page 9 of 14 August 18,2015