04-10-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, March 20,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Bruce Birkeland, 128 Wildhurst Trail, stated this definition was a surprise to them and that he basically received notice of itjust in the last day or two due to some Internet problems. Birkeland indicated they cannot build the house toward the lake any further and that the house would actually be set back another 35 feet from where Mr. Gronberg drew his line across. Birkeland stated he is not sure if Mr. Gronberg is aware of the way the City does it but that the original lot line cannot meet the setbacks where the house might have a view of the water. Birkeland stated the concept here is to create a lake lot so that some other family can have a place on the lake and make the best use of the lot. Birkeland stated at this point he is not quite sure how the Planning Commission interprets this new information and that he would ask for the advice of the Planning Commission. Thiesse stated the definition is very specific where the line needs to be drawn and that he does not see how it could be interpreted differently. Birkeland asked what his options are at this point. Thiesse stated the Planning Commission will open the public hearing and then discuss the matter. Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 8:14 p.m. John Besseson, 4500 North Shore Drive, stated he is one house down from Bruce Birkeland and that Mr. Birkeland approached him about what could be done with the property. Besseson indicated he consulted with Mark Gronberg about the lot and that they also had an architect take a look at it. Besseson stated they spent three or four months on this project and then met with Staff and looked at the documents, with Mr. Gaffron indicating he would not have a problem dividing the property if the house is tom down and the two lots are conforming. Besseson stated approximately five to ten feet of the house sit inside the 10 -foot side yard setback and they are hoping the Planning Commission will allow it. Besseson stated otherwise they will have to tear the house down. Besseson commented the house has a lot of value. Besseson noted the neighbors are in agreement with the project and that they are attempting to create some value for the property owner and the City by creating this new lot. Besseson stated in the 50 years he has resided in this area, he has witnessed a huge amount of development along the lake and that Wildhurst Trail is a beautiful road.