11-26-2018 Council Work Session Packet

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From: andy oagel2age To: Denny Walsh; Jeremy Barnhart; victoriaseals(agmail.com Cc: Julie image Subject: 2040 comprehensive plan public opinion Date: Sunday, November 11, 2018 3:50:54 PM Dear council members, We would like to comment on the density plans for Orono over the coming years. We moved to Orono in 1999 because of the schools and the rural landscape which our family has enjoyed for nearly 20 years. We were informed of a 2 acre minimum which was in place which at the time made us feel secure that the community would not ever look like Maple Grove appears today, which happened very quickly. We, along with many members of our community, have been alarmed that prospective developers can just ask for variances to build more homes on smaller lot sizes if the council decides to grant such variances. Why were the zoning laws ever put in place from the beginning if variances are going to be given out to change them? In the last 20 years, class sizes in the school have ballooned from low 20's to the mid 30's and housing developments with 3 houses per acre are popping up. It is also my understanding that the school is currently full and that there is a desire to keep the high school to be under 1,000 students. There is also the hot topic of what the Met Council may want vs. what the members of the community want. Part of the issue is that many members of our community have no idea what the Met Council does and how they can influence development plans in rural communities. I did not move to Orono to have an appointed (not elected) Met council member who doesn't live in Orono tell us how to develop our community. What if we do not take their money? Can we refuse to listen to them if we do not take their money? I would be happy to pay slightly higher property taxes if we can govern ourselves without being governed from the outside. We understand the need to grow, but the town must grow smartly, and within its means. Developments plans need to be aligned with the desire of the community members and the ability of the towns infrastructure of roads and schools to handle the population growth. Many families move here for the tranquility and large lot sizes, not cookie cutter neighborhoods with 3-4 homes per acre or a 280+ unit development on 14 acres of property overlooking a marshland and a 190 unit development proposal just west of the schools on county road 12. These proposals and building projects have alarmed many in our community and we are asking that these concerns will be respected and considered by our city council. Thank you for your consideration, Andy & Julie Page 3050 Jamestown Rd. Orono