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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,April 15,2019 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Thiesse noted most people have to drive to get somewhere in Orono and that the parking needs to be <br /> sufficient. <br /> Ryan indicated he agrees there needs to be ample parking. <br /> Libby stated his understanding is that two stalls per unit is required. <br /> Ryan indicated the City requires two stalls per unit and that he would like the opportunity to discuss with <br /> Staff the option of providing parking based on the number of bedrooms. <br /> Libby inquired about the rents that would be charged for each type of unit and whether the rents would be <br /> marked based. <br /> Ryan stated they are just in the beginning stages of the market analysis but that rents are going up in the <br /> metro area overall. <br /> Gettman noted approximately 25 percent more units have been added to the plan since it was originally <br /> presented as a sketch plan. Gettman asked why the density has increased. <br /> Ryan noted this site is guided for up to 25 units per acre and that a four-story building is typically the <br /> most economical. Ryan indicated the additional units help make up for the fact that these buildings are <br /> only three story and help make the economics of the project work better. <br /> Gettman noted if the number of units were reduced,there would be more space for parking. <br /> Ryan stated they would love to work with Staff on parking and the recreational areas and that in their <br /> view they can accommodate both of those with the way it is currently laid out. <br /> Thiesse stated he personally would be happy with a number that is somewhere in the area proposed by <br /> Staff. Thiesse noted Staff is recommending this application be tabled in order to get some of these items <br /> addressed and asked whether the applicants will still be in a position to move forward on their timeline if <br /> it is tabled tonight. <br /> Ryan stated in their view they will be able to resolve the issues and that they would like the application to <br /> proceed forward. <br /> Thiesse asked if Staff is still recommending it be tabled. <br /> Barnhart stated Staff would prefer to see a more finished plan and that the Council will not see this until <br /> after the May 1St deadline even if it is recommended for approval tonight. Barnhart noted Staff will ask <br /> for Council approval on the grant application independent of this application even if it is not approved <br /> tonight to keep the application moving along. <br /> Erickson commented it makes a lot of sense to take the extra time to get everything worked out to <br /> everyone's satisfaction. One of the unanswered questions tonight is the recreational space and that the <br /> Park Commission would have some great insight into it. At the same time,the applicant could perhaps <br /> move forward with the other zoning aspects but that he personally would prefer the extra time and a <br /> review by the Park Commission, especially since this site is very close to the Lurton Dog Park. Erickson <br /> Page 22 of 29 <br />