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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,February 18,2014 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Ben Goodwin, Applicant, indicated he would be happy to answer any questions. Goodwin stated this is <br /> somewhat of a hardship request and that the pictures do not necessarily do justice to the situation. The <br /> communal area is where the kids play soccer and is part of the problem. Even though the 8-foot fence <br /> will only provide limited visual help, it is mostly for the sound. Goodwin stated when there are <br /> prevailing winds from the north to the south,they are able to hear almost every word that is spoken. <br /> Goodwin stated the hope with the 8-foot fence is to partially block the sound during the summer. <br /> Goodwin stated closer to the communal area,the fence would help provide visual relief. Goodwin <br /> indicated the bridge is where the church takes photos two to three times a day during the peak wedding <br /> season. Goodwin stated on a weekend they cannot enjoy their back yard because the weddings are <br /> constant and on a daily basis. Goodwin stated as a taller person, the 8-foot fence would allow him to <br /> enjoy his property. <br /> Goodwin indicated he has also planted white pines along the property and that ultimately, when those <br /> mature, they will provide additional screening but the fence is an interim solution. <br /> Leskinen asked if trees have been planted all along the property line or just in the communal area. <br /> Goodwin indicated they are and that they removed a number of dead trees, which opened up the area even <br /> further. Goodwin stated he did not plant trees in all areas because it would greatly restrict the use of their <br /> property. <br /> McGrann asked if there is also a chain link fence that will be replaced with the solid wood fence. <br /> Goodwin indicated the area of the chain link fence and aluminum fence on the overhead. <br /> Curtis stated the aluminum fence appears to be a decorative wrought iron fence. <br /> Goodwin indicated the new fence would be solid. Goodwin stated the bridge is a regular photo location, <br /> and if the height of the fence is doubled, approximately half of their bodies would be obscured during the <br /> photo shoots. <br /> Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 6:44 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 6:44 p.m. <br /> McGrann asked whether Staff has heard anything from the church. <br /> Curtis indicated they have not. <br /> McGrann noted the sidewalks were not shoveled or plowed today when he visited the property and asked <br /> whether anyone maintains an office there on a daily basis. <br /> Curtis stated she does not have that information. <br /> Page 3 of 11 <br />