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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 /> Gaffron stated approximately three to four years ago, the City improved its 2008-2030 Comprehensive <br /> Plan. One of the City's requirements was to meet Metropolitan Council's goals for density and, as a <br /> result, certain properties generally along Highway 12 and Navarre were re-guided in the Comprehensive <br /> Plan to allow for higher density. <br /> The property in question is the Eisinger property, which is at the very west end of the Highway 12 <br /> corridor area. A portion of the property has an encumbrance of a former sanitary landfill, which leaves <br /> part of the property unusable for a number of things but that it is potentially usable for some uses that do <br /> not require foundations. The property generally has five acres that could be used for a housing <br /> development. <br /> Gaffron stated this land was re-guided in the Comprehensive Plan to allow for 10 to 15 units per acre, <br /> which would require City sewer and water. Sewer would be extended from Old Crystal Bay Road along <br /> Highway 12 past the Dumas Orchard property. Gaffron indicated the property was re-guided for higher <br /> density with some specific language about how that higher density should occur. The Comprehensive <br /> Plan suggested that there should be two buildings, but no more than two, and that they should not be <br /> more than 42,000 square feet. The Comprehensive Plan also contemplated a multi-family dwelling <br /> situation. <br /> Gaffron indicated the applicants are proposing something a little different than that which Staff believes <br /> will likely need a Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment to allow the proposed use. The applicants' <br /> proposed use is considered as detached townhomes. The applicants are prepared to make a presentation <br /> on their proposal. <br /> The Planning Commission has been provided a number of specific bullet points in Staff's report on how it <br /> would conform to the zoning district and the Comprehensive Plan. Gaffron indicated this development <br /> would likely be a RPUD. The primary difference between what the applicants are proposing and what <br /> exists at Stonebay is that these would be detached townhome units, with a small separation between them. <br /> Gaffron stated the only way to get the required density is to have small, minimal setbacks between the <br /> buildings. <br /> Gaffron stated he would like the applicants to make a presentation on their proposal. <br /> (Recess taken from 9:05 p.m. to 9:11 p.m.) <br /> Donald Jensen, Land Development Director of Lakewest, LLC, stated they have met with Staff on this <br /> property and have discussed various options. Jensen stated the 42,000 square feet creates certain <br /> limitations on the layout of the development and that the Comprehensive Plan is basically silent as to <br /> where the garages would go and whether they would be detached or underground parking. <br /> Jensen stated they have looked at what the marketplace is comfortable renting for the square footage and <br /> that they are proposing it at approximately 1,500 square feet. In addition, space for elevators and <br /> hallways would need to be allocated, which would place the units at approximately 1,200 square feet if <br /> the square footage is limited to 42,000 square feet. In this particular case,the units would likely range <br /> between 1,200 to 1,600 square feet per floor plan. <br /> Jensen stated they have worked with Staff on a number of different options and that they originally <br /> proposed access to the site from the west side. That has since been revised and access is now being <br /> Page 28 of 33 <br />