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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 /> Gaffron stated in his view it would be difficult. If you look at the lot that has the X on it, only the <br /> contiguous dry buildable would be counted. Gaffron indicated it would require someone to spend some <br /> time redesigning the lots to see whether it could be done. <br /> George Stickney, Developer, stated he is here tonight representing the Slechta family. Stickney indicated <br /> he does have a fair amount of background in subdivisions. Ownership of this property started in 1937 and <br /> has remained in the family for a significant number of years. The property consists of over four acres in <br /> dry buildable. <br /> Stickney indicated he likes the second option, which he calls the smiley face plan, in that the <br /> configuration provides greater widths to the lots and protects more of the natural features of the property. <br /> Stickney stated he also looked at the overall area and the typical lot sizes. The general area on the north <br /> side of Togo Road consists of 37 properties. Out of those 37 properties, 20 of them do not have 100 feet <br /> of width and 18 of the properties are less than a half-acre. Stickney indicated he did not separate dry <br /> buildable in that estimation. Stickney reiterated that the second option created by Mr. Gaffron is very <br /> workable and would be compatible with the neighborhood. Stickney stated the family is very sensitive to <br /> the neighbors' concerns and that Staff would likely support option two. <br /> Todd Holmers, Applicant, stated he is here tonight representing Landsource, LLC. Holmers stated he <br /> would be in agreement with everything that Mr. Stickney has said and that they are not attempting to do <br /> anything other than developing this property as much as possible with the six lots. Holmers indicated he <br /> is fine with preserving the back part of the property as long as it meets the requirements of the City's <br /> PUD. <br /> Lemke asked if it was reduced to five lots whether that would be a deal breaker. <br /> Holmers stated in his view it probably would be. <br /> Stickney stated in his view the development can conform in a number of ways and still maintain the six <br /> lots. Stickney stated the layout of the lots in the smiley face option works pretty well and is a reasonable <br /> option in relation to the rest of the neighborhood. <br /> McGrann stated it sounds like there would be a better return for the property owners under the smiley face <br /> option. McGrann asked if that would be preferable over reducing it to five lots. <br /> Stickney indicated he did look at six lots with a couple of small cul-de-sacs that would be conforming but <br /> it is likely the neighbors would not prefer that layout. Stickney stated in his view option two would be an <br /> ideal way to preserve the back portion of the site and that in his view it is very appealing. <br /> Stickney stated as it relates to the right-of-way, the 30 feet that was dedicated a number of years ago is an <br /> adequate scenario. If the Planning Commission is worried about the Railroad Authority denying it, Staff <br /> should point out the fact that there would need to be additional right-of-way dedicated from the other <br /> properties along Northern Avenue which is probably not going to happen. <br /> Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 9:08 p.m. <br /> Jon Knollenberg, 3775 Togo Road, stated his property is located next to this property and that he has <br /> lived there for 25 years. Knollenberg stated part of the reason he and the neighbors appreciate this area is <br /> Page 28 of 34 <br />