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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,September 15,2014 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Lemke asked whether Staff has any concern with the length of the one cul-de-sac since it is quite a bit <br /> over the 1,000 foot maximum. <br /> Hiller stated although the length is over,the traffic will be rather minimal and that there will only be six <br /> homes on that cul-de-sac. Hiller stated to his knowledge there are no safety issues. <br /> Thiesse asked what the intent is for limiting the size of the cul-de-sacs. <br /> Gaffron stated the requirement for a 1,000maximum has been in the code since the early 1980s and one of <br /> the reasons for it would be for emergency vehicle access. Gaffron stated if a tornado came through and <br /> blocked the road,limiting the length of cul-de-sacs is one way to minimize potential emergency access <br /> issues. <br /> Gaffron stated the City has perhaps more than a handful of cul-de-sacs/private roads that exceed 1,000 <br /> feet, so it is not unheard of to grant that type of variance. Gaffron stated the City has not had an issue <br /> with it in the past and that as long as the road does not get too narrow, it is probably fine. <br /> Grittman indicated another common reason for restricting cul-de-sac length is to limit traffic and the <br /> number of lots located on the cul-de-sac since it has a single outlet. Grittman stated given the size of the <br /> lots on this cul-de-sac, it is not a major concern since there would likely not be any traffic issues. <br /> Gaffron stated Casco Point Road functionally acts as a cul-de-sac since there are 200-plus homes on it <br /> and there is only one access point. <br /> Lemke stated he likes the evolution of the plan and the park concept. <br /> Schoenzeit stated he also likes the park concept,and if the City can contribute towards that,it would be a <br /> good investment. Schoenzeit stated it appears like the project is working and that there has been good <br /> cooperation with the neighbors. Schoenzeit stated as the development expands outside the area,how it <br /> impacts the surrounding neighborhood and the City should be positive. <br /> Page 56 of 59 <br />