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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,August 19 2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Gaffron noted this is a sketch plan review and no vote of the Planning Commission needs to be taken. <br /> The applicant will present his concept plan in order to gain the comments of the Planning Commission. <br /> Landgraver asked if the public can comment on the application. <br /> Gaffron indicated this was not noticed as a public hearing and that it is premature at this point to obtain <br /> public comment. The applicant would like to get some feedback from the Planning Commission on his <br /> concept for a residential townhome development that would incorporate a number of properties but the <br /> number of properties is not known at this point. The area is located in the LR-1B, one family lakeshore <br /> residential district, and B-4, office and professional business district. Gaffron noted this application will <br /> be brought before the City Council for their input as well. <br /> Tom Wasmoen, applicant, stated one of the ideas they are exploring is how the lay of the land could be <br /> used to create a higher density enclave for people who would like to live in a smaller unit such as a twin <br /> home or townhome. The development would appeal to the empty nester. <br /> Wasmoen displayed a layout of the proposed development. Wasmoen indicated they are presently <br /> looking at mostly twin homes with a couple of single units and a few row houses. The row houses have <br /> been incorporated to help the development fit in better with the topography. <br /> Wasmoen displayed some massing models of the proposed development. Some trees have been added to <br /> the lot to help soften up the development. An attempt is being made to maintain all of the wetlands as a <br /> buffer along Kelly Avenue as well as preserve the majority of the existing tree coverage. The steep slope <br /> would remain pretty much intact as well as the green buffer area. Wasmoen indicated they would also be <br /> using the current access point for the existing home as a pedestrian trail and access for emergency <br /> vehicles. Wasmoen stated they are attempting to work with the slope and take advantage of it as much as <br /> possible to avoid re-grading the entire site. <br /> Landgraver asked what the total number of units is they are proposing. <br /> Wasmoen stated they are proposing approximately 44 units to a maximum of 62 units depending on the <br /> number of properties they are able to combine. <br /> Lemke asked whether age restrictions are being contemplated. <br /> Wasmoen stated the development is being geared towards people who are empty nesters. <br /> Lemke asked whether there are any price points that have been contemplated. <br /> Wasmoen indicated they would like a mix of units but that they would be luxury townhomes and likely in <br /> the neighborhood of$300 a square foot. <br /> Landgraver asked if the target customer is people without children. <br /> Wasmoen stated they are looking at a living room, dining room, garage, and master bedroom on one floor <br /> and perhaps a second story to provide guest bedrooms and an office space. Wasmoen stated they are also <br /> attempting to encourage neighborhood interaction by incorporating some green spaces and perhaps <br /> Page 23 of 28 <br />