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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, June 19, 2017 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Sandra Keegan, Walters Point Lane, stated the height is the scary part of this proposal, and once someone <br />puts up a building that size, there is no going back. Keegan stated in his view Navarre is changing for the <br />better, but that this property has been vacant for a while so they do not have to rush to develop it. <br />Tom Goodrum stated in his view they can work with Staff on the RPUD standards and that they are <br />willing to put a trail in. <br />Goodrum noted they have heard several times concerns about the size of the parcel. Goodrum noted they <br />have more than 2.5 acres with this parcel and that they can add 18 more acres to the property. Goodrum <br />stated in his opinion these items can be resolved. <br />Goodrum stated as it relates to the traffic, it comes down to perception, and that the actual traffic numbers <br />show what is happening out. In addition, in regards to height, Orono has other similar buildings three and <br />four stories high that have been approved, and that it comes down to someone's perception of the height. <br />Alex Ugorets, 175 Brentwood Road, stated he can understand why the residents are not happy about the <br />project since it will impact their lives. Ugorets stated any development will affect the neighborhood but <br />that 30 feet only allows for a two-story building with a decent ceiling height. Ugorets stated the footprint <br />is the way it has to be, and that if they are talking about 20 units versus 40 units, there is no way in this <br />day and age a building can be constructed for that few units. <br />Ugorets commented he also cannot think of another project that will minimize the traffic and fit all the <br />criteria that everybody desires. Ugorets stated he would love to accommodate everybody here, but if he <br />did that, it would be a parking lot, which is not going to happen. Ugorets noted an office building will <br />generate more traffic. <br />Ugorets stated the higher the building, the more people want to be on the upper floor for the views. <br />Ugorets stated the building they are proposing is barely making it, but what makes it feasible is to put the <br />penthouse up there. <br />Page 11 of 14 <br />