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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 16,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> new roadway every 40 feet. The result of such uniform spacing may appear to be contrived rather than a <br /> more natural variation. <br /> The road for the Bayside Meadows plat results in 2,270 linear feet of frontage requiring 57 trees. The <br /> approved plan reflects the code required number and placement of the boulevard trees. The applicant has <br /> provided a revised plan at the Council's suggestion reflecting a more thoughtful placement of 42 trees. <br /> Curtis noted this is not a variance request as noted on the agenda and more of a waiver of the requirement <br /> since the applicant was asked by the City Council to review this issue. The Code allows for the City <br /> Council to waive certain requirements as deemed appropriate. Staff finds the placement and number of <br /> proposed boulevard trees to be a better fit for a rural design and recommends approval. <br /> Bill Coffman, Applicant, stated he is here tonight on behalf of Shelly Wachman,the owner of the <br /> property for the past 20 years. Coffman indicated they concur with Staff's recommendations. <br /> Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. <br /> Carolyn Meyers stated she owns the property behind this new development. Meyers stated she has a <br /> concern because Bayside Meadows is above the wetlands and having fewer trees is not to the advantage <br /> of any kind of runoff or water absorption. There is now 1.65 acres that is now impermeable and that <br /> adding trees, not subtracting trees would be more advantageous since they would help absorb the water. <br /> Pat Thull, 210 North Shore Drive, stated she has a couple of issues. Thull indicated their property is <br /> located on the south side of the development and look down on the site. <br /> Thull stated when she was in attendance at the last meeting,the application was pretty much in place and <br /> that there were two acre lots being proposed,which is not really typical for this area. The area is more <br /> rural and consists of woods, waterways, and wetlands. Thull stated she does not have an objection to <br /> development of the property but that she would have had issue with the number of houses being built on <br /> the site. <br /> Thull stated the plan depicted a buffer along one area of trees and currently there is not a single tree in <br /> that buffer line. That issue was discussed in the last meeting and it was agreed that trees would be placed <br /> in that area. Thull stated the five trees being proposed are not adequate because it was agreed by the <br /> Planning Commission that the tree line in the buffer area should replicate the general current tree line and <br /> that it should be conducive to the natural environment and look of the area. The layout of the homes is <br /> not natural and appears odd looking. <br /> Thull stated the other issue deals with the wetland. The wetland was reclassified which allows for closer <br /> infringement in the wetland area and takes away from the natural environment. Thull stated removing <br /> additional trees does not make sense, does not retain the natural environment and that she would prefer to <br /> see more trees rather than fewer trees. Thull indicated she agrees with Caroline Meyers as it relates to the <br /> additional runoff going into the wetlands. <br /> Carol Pass, 235 North Arm Lane, stated their property is probably the one that is most impacted by this <br /> development. The whole southern and eastern border with the exception of one area is connected to their <br /> property. Pass indicated they created a conservation easement across their southern border of their <br /> property in an effort to help maintain the wildlife and natural environment. Pass commented this area is <br /> Page 18 of 34 <br />