03-11-2019 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 11, 2019 7:00 o'clock p.m. Patrick Brama,Trident Development, asked what amount of density the Council is comfortable with since the Comprehensive Plan shows 20 to 25 units per acre. Walsh stated they are looking for something that is comparable to what is across the street,which is a townhome style development. Brama stated it sounds like density is one factor. Brama asked whether the Council's preference is for it to be a detached product and whether multi-family with six to eight units would be something the Council would consider. Crosby indicated he is looking at more of a townhome type development. Walsh stated two to three units is good, which is similar to what is across the street. Todd Cushman,Trident Development, stated the City's Comprehensive Plan specified this area to be a high-density area and that it seems like the Council's comments are that they are looking to have medium density instead. Walsh noted the Comprehensive Plan is a guiding document and that a number of things have changed over the lastl 8 months. In addition, Orono Preserve was guided for seven to ten units per acre but that did not work and that ended up being three units per acre. The City Council is looking at how the project fits into the community. Walsh stated for those people who live in Orono, the way of life is more rural, and it has been that way for generations. The City strives to keep density low, and while the City has to provide opportunities for higher-density development, the City does not have to actually approve the higher density projects. Due to some other recent projects,the City has met its density numbers. Walsh stated the concept plan allows the applicant to get the feedback of the City Council without incurring all the costs associated with a formal application. Barnhart noted one component was the density number, which is three units per acre,and the second component was the opportunity to provide housing for projected growth. Barnhart stated the City Council may have to have a conversation about where to put the higher density that was proposed for this site elsewhere. The City Council took no formal action on this item. 14. LA19-000002—SCOTT GATES ON BEHALF OF KRUCKEBERG REAL ESTATE, 4400 DEERING ISLAND,CONCEPT PLAN—AMEND MUSA BOUNDARY Barnhart stated this is a request for the City Council to consider an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan by expanding the MUSA boundary. The applicant would like to incorporate Deering Island into MUSA,which would thereby give it the opportunity to connect to sanitary sewer through the City of Mound. Page 12 of 16