05/19/2014 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 19,2014 6:30 o'clock p.m. Ciliberto stated in her view it would look better without the underground structure. Crystal Bay Road is very narrow and has parking issues. Ciliberto stated an argument could also be made that retaining walls do not look very nice but that in their view it might improve it slightly. Ciliberto stated they are willing to go either way. Landgraver commented the Planning Commission may be attempting to redesign the proposal too much and that perhaps they should focus on what is being proposed. Landgraver stated he would like to make sure the retaining wall is engineered appropriately. Landgraver stated in his view the lot is a hardship lot and the shed should be permitted. Leskinen asked if the Planning Commission is okay with the proposed new residence. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that the proposed residence and setbacks are fine. Leskinen asked if the Planning Commission should recommend an escrow as it relates to the maintenance of the shared driveway and roadway or how that is typically handled. Gaffron stated the Planning Commission's motion should include a recommendation that the shared driveway and roadway be addressed. Gaffron stated the City does have some oversight of that road. Leskinen stated she is comfortable with the application except for the shed, but with the absence of the underground garage,there is enough of a practical difficulty to justify the shed given the proposed size of the new garage. Leskinen stated the removal of the underground garage will improve the parking situation on Crystal Bay Road. Schwingler stated his biggest concern was Item No. 12, but noted that other construction work has been completed in that neighborhood and they have worked around that. Leskinen concurred the Planning Commission should consider a recommendation in their motion relating to the roadway. Schwingler stated in his view the biggest obstacle to construction traffic is the roadway. Thiesse commented it would be difficult for the City to regulate construction traffic. Schoenzeit stated care for the road during construction should be included in the motion. Gaffron stated a pre-inspection of the roadway could be conducted as well as a post-construction inspection. Leskinen asked if there are any other hardcover items that could be eliminated other than the shed. Gaffron stated since the location of the shed is unknown at this point,that should be determined prior to the application going to the City Council since a variance for the shed will likely be required. Leskinen asked whether that would require a separate application or whether it can be included in this application. Page 6 of 31