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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,August 18,2014 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Yarosh stated the Planning Commission should feel free to discuss the issue of whether it is right to <br /> consider the application at this point given the Special Lot Combination Agreement. <br /> Renee Meerkins, 1135 North Arm Drive, stated they would prefer not to be here tonight and that they <br /> consider themselves friendly neighbors. Meerkins stated after receiving the notice for the public hearing <br /> and knowing that similar requests have been rejected by four other councils,they felt they should attend. <br /> Meerkins indicated they purchased their property in 1993 knowing that that lot was not a buildable lot. <br /> Meerkins stated they have a view that they have enjoyed for 20 years. Currently the view to the north, <br /> when they are on their deck, consists of seeing the top of a rooftop of the neighbor's garage. Meerkins <br /> indicated they are also able to look down to the lake and to the left. Meerkins noted Lot 9 had an existing <br /> house prior to the new house being constructed and that their view to the left now consists of a rooftop, <br /> which does block their view somewhat and creates a tunnel effect. Meerkins stated a house on the <br /> subject property would further block their view of the lake. Meerkins stated they are really concerned <br /> about the impacts this proposal would have on their view and their property value. <br /> Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. <br /> Thiesse asked why this application is before the Planning Commission. <br /> Gaffron stated there is a lawsuit pending against the City regarding the un-combination of the Alness' <br /> residential property and this lakeshore lot. <br /> Thiesse asked whether the City should wait until that lawsuit is resolved before deciding on this <br /> application. <br /> Gaffron indicated the City Attorney has suggested that it would be appropriate to get this issue in front of <br /> the City Council. <br /> Thiesse asked if the Planning Commission votes yes on this application, whether there would still be a <br /> lawsuit. <br /> Gaffron stated there likely will be a lawsuit no matter how the Planning Commission votes tonight. <br /> Thiesse stated he would again raise the question of why this is before the Planning Commission when <br /> there is an unresolved lawsuit. Thiesse stated there is a property owner that wants to construct a house on <br /> a lot that was combined to provide them with lakeshore access and a dock, the neighbors do not want the <br /> applicants to construct there, and the neighbors also have a lot that does not have a house on it. Thiesse <br /> stated neither one of them believed they had a buildable lot at the time they purchased the property. <br /> Thiesse stated given the fact that there is a Special Lot Combination Agreement,he is not sure why the <br /> Planning Commission should be looking at it. <br /> McGrann asked if the Planning Commission has to vote one way or the other tonight. <br /> Gaffron indicated it is Staff's recommendation that the Planning Commission make a motion on the <br /> application tonight. If no recommendation is forthcoming, Staff would like the Planning Commission to <br /> refer the application to the City Council. Gaffron indicated he has not contemplated what the <br /> ramifications would be if no recommendation is made by the Planning Commission. <br /> Page 14 of 33 <br />