11-19-2018 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

FILE#18-44 November 19,2018 Page 4 of 5 major policy discussions outlined within. As proposed changes are accepted, additional pagination will be necessary. Maps. The maps were updated to reflect new roads and parcels established since the 2008 plan. In part to reflect a comment by the Met Council,two copies of Land Use and sewer maps were created. One set includes parcel boundaries that are clearer when printed at a larger size. The Park Commission reviewed the park Trail and Open Space Chapter at their meeting in March. Public Comments The 6 month formal comment period yielded a number of comments, attached with responses as Exhibit B. City staff also has received a number of formal (written)and informal (verbal) comments from citizens after the comment period. These written comments are provided as Exhibit C. The City also received comments from the Metropolitan Council's preliminary review, attached as Exhibit D. Generally,citizens commenting expressed a concern with adding density, linking high density to school overcrowding,traffic congestion, lack of jobs, and crime. Frequently, staff heard questions such as: "why do we need to meet growth projections at all." The response is that we are growing, (an average of 54 new homes each year since 2014) and because of state law and logical planning, City simply must plan and anticipate growth, especially given our housing goals: "Orono has identified the need for a broader range of housing choices including starter homes, empty-nester, and senior housing, and an ongoing need for substantial housing rehabilitation." These housing goals remain the same from the 2008 Plan. The plan anticipates growth based on Met Council projections, and the variety of density offers opportunities to satisfy our housing goals. This is done without sacrificing the rural character and our role in preserving the lakes and natural areas. Not all comments were negative toward development,some comments have been received that look forward to apartments and condominiums that allow them to stay in the community. Issues for Consideration. The Commission could contemplate the following policy questions identified through the review of the document. 1. Does the Commission concur with the following 7 guiding principals: Guiding Principle#1: Promote ecologically sensitive stormwater management. Applying an ecologically-based stormwater management system will improve ecosystems by reducing both reliance on manmade infrastructure and reducing downstream runoff of contaminants.