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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday March 13, 2017 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />The Planning Commission reviewed a number of issues and indicated they were comfortable with the <br />density. In addition, the Planning Commission discussed the height and recognized that Orono has <br />historically stood firm on three stories. Last summer the City adjusted the height limitation to not be <br />calculated on the number of stories but rather calculated on the actual height elevation. From a height <br />standpoint, this project will likely be a PUD and the City will have some flexibility on the height. <br />The Planning Commission also talked about fire safety and the expectation that Fire Code would be met. <br />It is Staff's expectation that some sort of driveway will be required around the back of the building to <br />meet Fire Code but that Staff will defer to the Fire Chief on those issues. <br />One of the comments that the Planning Commission noted was the residential homes will be the most <br />impacted from a visual standpoint based on the proximity of the building to the homes. There is a large <br />wetland that separates the property and impacts the property owner's ability to develop the entire site. <br />The developer has provided some sketches to illustrate the separation between the proposed building and <br />the residential area. <br />Crosby noted the people on Lydiard will also be impacted. <br />Barnhart stated it is likely there will be some type of development on this site and that the question is <br />what is the most appropriate. The site is currently guided for mixed use, which could either be business <br />use or an apartment building. <br />Crosby asked whether this area could be developed as single-family homes. <br />Barnhart stated the Comprehensive Plan would need to be amended and that the site is currently guided <br />for 6 to 15 units per acre. When the Comprehensive Plan amendment was approved for Shadywood <br />Villas, the density on this site was increased. <br />Seals asked how many acres the site consists of. <br />Barnhart stated to his knowledge it is approximately three acres of upland. Barnhart stated the applicant <br />is proposing 15 units per acre. <br />Printup asked if sewer, utilities and infrastructure can handle that many units. <br />Barnhart stated the expectation at this time is that it can but that will be a key component of the formal <br />review. Barnhart stated Staff would be more concerned if the applicant was proposing a density of 30 <br />units per acre but that he is comfortable with the 15 units. <br />Seals stated it is obvious the three residential lots will be the most impacted. Seals asked how the City <br />will go about notifying everyone. Seals stated everyone in Navarre will be affected by the traffic and that <br />when she looks at the sketch plan, it does not appear to fit in with the Navarre area. Seals stated she <br />wants to make sure there is a good group of people from Navarre to provide input. <br />Walsh noted he has discussed making the sketch plan process part of the notification process and that he <br />would like to keep that on the burner for the City Attorney. Walsh stated he would like to avoid having <br />the developer spend a lot of money on plans if it turns out the neighborhood is opposed to the project. <br />Page 2 of 8 <br />