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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Tuesday, January 16, 2018 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Weber stated when this building is compared to the condominium project, the condominium units are <br />averaging 1,800 square feet per unit and these units are a little more than half the size. In addition, the <br />building is heavy on one -bedroom apartments and the condominium building has all two bedrooms. <br />Weber stated he realizes density is measured by units per acre, but that they have smaller units and <br />smaller bedrooms, which generates less traffic and fewer residents. <br />Weber stated the apartment units are designed to be affordable and will help meet a demand for people <br />who might sell their homes and want to remain in the area. Weber stated in his view there is a big need <br />for quality rental apartments. <br />Weber stated he acknowledges the issue of the trails and that they will cooperate on that as well as lining <br />up the access. Weber stated they wanted to do the sketch plan first to discuss the density and the <br />Comprehensive Plan amendment. As it relates to the height, this building will be visibly lower than the <br />condominium building. Weber noted they have not taken soil borings on the site yet but that they <br />anticipate a high-water table. Weber indicated they might be able to lower the garage by a couple of feet <br />depending on the soil borings. <br />Thiesse asked if there will be one large mechanical unit. <br />Weber indicated they will be individual. <br />Thiesse asked if there is any place for the kids to play. <br />Weber stated they do not anticipate a lot of kids as part of this project and that they see the trail and trail <br />connections as a more advantageous amenity. Weber noted with the school being close by, there are a <br />number of play areas available and that they would prefer the trail connections. <br />Thiesse asked whether there is a use that the Planning Commission feels is more appropriate for this site. <br />Thiesse stated in his view an apartment building on this site is a good use. <br />Lemke asked if the City would be limiting itself by removing this amount of business potential. <br />Page 4 of 6 <br />