02-26-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, February 20, 2018 6:30 o'clock p.m. Landgraver asked whether there will be any trees removed along the shoreline. Barnhart indicated only one tree has been identified to be removed in the 0-75 foot zone. Thiesse asked if the City Engineer has reviewed the application. Thiesse asked whether there is any concern with three homes accessing off of the cul-de-sac. Barnhart stated the City Engineer has reviewed the application and has provided comments. Those comments will need to be addressed as part of the final plat. The applicant is proposing a public cul-de- sac to terminate at the property line and then turn into a private driveway for three homes. The current hammerhead will be replaced with the cul-de-sac. Thiesse asked if there is any lakeshore involved with the easement vacation. Barnhart stated there is not. As part of the vacation review process, discussions were held with the DNR and they have no concerns and, in fact, supported the vacation. Chuck Algon, Developer, stated they have no additions or corrections to Staff's report and that they accept it as is. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 6:42 p.m. Bruce Paddock, 1500 Bracketts Point Road, stated he is here tonight representing himself and the property owner at 1490 Bracketts Point Road. Paddock stated in his view he can safely say on behalf of all the residents of Bracketts Point that this property is a very special place in the City of Orono. Paddock stated there was a very good reason why George Brackett settled on Bracketts Point and built a summer retreat there. The local Indians before him considered this very sacred and holy ground. As a result, Paddock stated in their view any new development should be additive to the surrounding properties for future generations to come and not diminutive. Paddock stated after review of the proposed development, in his view the project generally will be additive and much more efficient to Bracketts Point but that he will reserve his final approval until after the discussion by the Planning Commission. Paddock stated in his opinion this is an opportune time to ask for a public roadway to run from County Road 15 all the way down to Bracketts Point ending in the existing cul-de-sac. The cul-de-sac currently serves three properties. Paddock stated he would urge the City in fairness to all property owners to extend the public roadway from County Road 15 all the way down to the end so it serves everybody equally. As long as the relocated roadway is built to city standards, those same standards should be extended to the three lots that the private road serves. Paddock stated his second concern relates to Lots 4 and 5. Paddock stated he believes Lot 4 contains the original Pillsbury mansion, which is at least 30,000 square feet. That house will now be placed on a property a little over three acres. Paddock stated in his opinion this is a very large structure and it needs a larger parcel to add value to that home as well as Bracketts Point. Paddock suggested the buyer of Lot 4 also be required to purchase Lot 5, especially if they plan on retaining that structure because the tennis court and swimming court could then be saved, which would make it 5 -plus acres. If the buyer of Lot 4 elects to raze the home and build a new home, then separation of the two properties would be acceptable. Paddock stated overall it is a good project and will enhance Bracketts Point. Page 2 of 4