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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 />Barnhart stated the City does not have a lot of area for office growth but there is also not a strong market <br />in the City for office use. Barnhart stated they would be limiting themselves but that the risk is pretty <br />low. <br />Leskinen noted there is also space on the other side down the road which is more conducive to business. <br />Leskinen stated in her view this is a good spot for an apartment building and that the City needs a place <br />where there is higher density. Leskinen noted business use for this property has not happened. <br />Landgraver stated this is also not a transitional site and will not result in high density next to low density. <br />Leskinen pointed out if the majority of the units are one bedrooms, there will likely not be a lot of kids. <br />Schwingler commented the connection to the trail is important. <br />Thiesse stated in his view this site is a good spot for the higher density. <br />It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that the proposed use is appropriate for the site. <br />It was the consensus of the Planning Commission not to require the 10 percent private recreation space <br />and that a park dedication fee would be appropriate. <br />Thiesse noted Staff recommends a 10 -foot trail easement along the south boundary. Thiesse indicated he <br />would be in favor of that. Thiesse asked whether the easement would be given back in the event the trail <br />is constructed on the other side of the road. <br />Barnhart indicated this is similar to the Orono Senior Housing project and that the easement would <br />provide some options. <br />Weber noted the 10 -foot easement will not affect them in a negative way and that it is typical to a utility <br />easement. <br />Landgraver asked if the pond has been expanded. <br />Page 5 of 6 <br />