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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,September 17,2012 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Gorman indicated the proposed location for the garage is to stay with the property line. Adding the room <br /> on top of the garage was not something that they need to do or intended to do at the beginning but that <br /> they are requesting it now. If the Planning Commission recommends that it needs to be removed,they <br /> would be willing to discuss that. <br /> Gorman indicated they have attempted to lower the hardcover numbers from 48.2 percent to 46.9 percent. <br /> From a structural coverage standpoint,that is currently at 10.3 percent and they would be increasing that <br /> to 14.4 percent,which is below the allowed amount. Gorman noted they are over on the hardcover due to <br /> the pool and other things that were already on the property. <br /> Gorman stated there are some other items on the property that they would be willing to discuss in terms of <br /> decreasing the hardcover on the property. The existing driveway can be narrowed. Some of the items <br /> that they are willing to remove were not taken off the survey. Gorman stated they are going to replace the <br /> fireplace and the chimney with picture windows and that they would like to start that project in a couple <br /> of weeks. In the front of the house,the brick wall can be removed and replaced with landscaping. <br /> Behind the brick wall is a sidewalk that is not used and can also be removed. On the right side of the <br /> house,there is a walkway to the back of the yard and pool area. They would be willing to remove that or <br /> replace it with something more permeable. The previous owners had added on a deck at the back of the <br /> house which is not usable since it can only seat two chairs. Gorman indicated they can remove the deck <br /> and the stairs as well. In addition,there is an area over on the side of the house that could also be <br /> eliminated completely. If the brick wall and the sidewalk are removed,they would be putting some <br /> landscaping in that area. <br /> Gorman indicated they did speak with the neighbors and they seem to be in favor of the project. The <br /> project will not affect the drainage or grading around the house since the structure will be placed on top of <br /> the existing driveway. <br /> Landgraver asked what the sum total is of all the possible hardcover removals. <br /> Gorman stated to her recollection it was 4,378 square feet. <br /> Chair Schoenzeit opened the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. <br /> Brendon Walcherski, 3580 Frederick Street, stated he lives across the street and that they have recently <br /> moved into the neighborhood on August 4. Walcherski indicated he does not want to hinder the <br /> applicants'plans for development but that they do have some concerns they would like addressed. The <br /> essential character of the neighbor is very wooded with very mature trees. Walcherski asked whether <br /> some of those trees would be removed in the process of the construction. In addition,there is a berm in <br /> the front. Walcherski asked if the garage would butt up to the end of the road or come right up to the end <br /> of the road. <br /> Walcherski commented the area is beautiful and peaceful. Walcherski stated their house, as listed on the <br /> MLS, is lakeview. They have approximately ten degrees between two houses and the trees but that you <br /> can still get the feeling you are on the lake. The applicants did look at angling the garage to retain that <br /> view, which is appreciated. Walcherski reiterated the neighborhood is very peaceful and beautiful and <br /> questioned whether a large,three-stall garage would affect the resale value of their home. The majority <br /> of the homes in the area are smaller, modest, ranch style homes with two-car garages. As you come <br /> Page <br /> 12 <br />