07-24-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 10, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 14. #17-3944 WESTWOOD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ON BEHALF OF UGORETS 8098 LLC, 2520 SHADYWOOD ROAD, REZONING AND MASTER PLAN APPROVAL - Continued sewer and water, access to bus lines and county roads, to support higher density. Barnhart stated how the project fits within the character of the neighborhood is a decision to be made by the City Council. Printup asked whether the City's utilities will support the higher density. Barnhart stated Staff has not looked at the engineering at this point but the system is generally designed based on the City's Comprehensive Plan. Barnhart stated he cannot say that it is 100 percent ready but that is the expectation unless proven otherwise. Seals stated in her view the residents do not want higher density on this site and that they have not moved to this area because there is higher density. Dankey noted she used to reside in this area and the proposal does not fit the area. Dankey stated she also does not believe there are a number of services and jobs available in the Navarre area. Walsh noted a number of residents were perplexed at why Staff supports this application. Walsh indicated Staff looks at applications from a different perspective than the City Council does and that Staff looks at applications more from an information perspective based on what the City is attempting to accomplish with its Comprehensive Plan. Alex Ugorets, 175 Brentwood Road, Tonka Bay, stated he has proposed a three-level building with a penthouse level. Ugorets noted one of the levels is underground and cut into a hill. Ugorets stated he was under the impression that the City desired a large project at this location, but following the Planning Commission meeting he is not sure what the City of Orono desires. Ugorets stated in order to accommodate the concerns of the neighborhood, they have reduced the building from 55 units to 40 units and changed it from apartments to condominiums, which will cost him more money and carry more risk. Ugorets stated people tend to want to live higher up in condominiums and that the height helps make the building financially feasible. Ugorets noted the penthouse and upper level are probably the only two levels that would have a view of the lake. The first two floors would consist of inexpensive condominiums. The penthouse occupies about 25 to 30 percent of the floor area and does not obstruct anyone's views of the lake and is barely above the treetops. Ugorets stated most people will only see a three-story structure as they drive along County Road 19 and that there is screening from the residential area in the rear. Ugorets noted the height of this building is almost the same as the existing Freshwater Business Center. Ugorets noted this is a very big investment on his end and will create a good opportunity for the area. Ugorets stated he needs to construct a certain size building in order to make it financially feasible, and that if he is required to stick to 30 feet, the project will not happen. Ugorets stated in his view it will have minimal impact on the traffic but will have a significant benefit to Navarre businesses and bring in tax revenue to the City of Orono. Ugorets stated he would ask the City Council to approve the project as is. Ugorets stated the increased density will provide housing for the older population in the City. Ugorets stated he understands the position of the City but that he cannot construct a 30 -foot building and have it be financially feasible. Page 7of14