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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,October 21,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Gehr stated the drainage pattern will remain as is and noted that the Watershed District may require some <br /> revegetation of those areas as well as enhancement of the wetlands to enrich the habitat. <br /> The majority of the home sites are wrapped in a contiguous perimeter of open space under the cluster <br /> proposal. These areas will be encumbered by an easement and protected in their natural state. The <br /> physical attributes of the land are generally respected. Gehr stated the cluster plan provides open space <br /> and an opportunity to enhance the ecology, is a low impact use of the property,provides valuable open <br /> space corridor and a 1.5 mile walking path. The cluster development also takes it further with the micro- <br /> clustering and the lots are separated by open space. The cluster development intends to produce a <br /> beautiful neighborhood on a great site and will be a source of pride for the residents and neighbors in the <br /> area. <br /> Gehr noted City Staff has fairly well covered the issue of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and that <br /> they would like the Planning Commission's input on the development itself. <br /> Gehr noted under the previous plan there was an access point off of North Arm,with the road meandering <br /> through the development and then exiting onto North Arm. The revised proposal eliminates the access <br /> out to North Arm and focuses the access to the property off of West Branch Road. <br /> Gehr pointed out the location of the pool and clubhouse on the overhead. Gehr noted the road will <br /> extend to the north and northeast to access the homes. Being proposed at this time are 59 home sites. <br /> While a fair amount of work has currently been undertaken, additional work such as wetland delineations <br /> and survey work needs to be completed before there is a final lot count and a preliminary plat submission <br /> to the City. <br /> Gehr noted they held a meeting last week with the neighbors and that he is sure they have concerns and <br /> issues they would like to address with the Planning Commission. Gehr stated in their view,with the <br /> access now being located off of West Branch, some of their concerns have been alleviated. Gehr stated <br /> he was also encouraged by the neighbors to walk the site. Gehr indicated he did walk the site and that he <br /> understands that sections of North Arm are dangerous since there are no shoulders. Gehr indicated the <br /> decision was made to eliminate access onto North Arm for that reason and other reasons expressed by the <br /> neighbors. <br /> Hiller stated they would like the Planning Commission to consider the PRD. <br /> Lemke noted 59 is the optimum number based on the two acre lots and asked how many realistically the <br /> site will accommodate. <br /> Gehr indicated they are working their way through that and that the soils and topography of the property <br /> are currently being looked at as well as some percolation work being done on the site. Gehr indicated at <br /> the present time they are looking at 59 lots. <br /> Thiesse asked if the developer would just need to identify two septic sites per lot or whether percolation <br /> tests are required. <br /> Gaffron stated the developer would need to conduct percolation testing on each of the lots. <br /> Page 29 of 42 <br />