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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, August 21, 2017 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />what other parcels should be identified for higher density to compensate for reduction of density <br />buffer? <br />Barnhart noted development of the site with septic systems would be difficult given the extreme <br />topography and it is likely only a small number of homes can be supported with the use of septic systems. <br />The steep slopes surrounding the existing home site are heavily wooded. Development of new <br />homes on the property will likely result in significant and substantial impacts to the topography <br />and vegetation of the site. Would this be consistent with the rural residential goals and visions of <br />the Comprehensive Plan? <br />6. Should the internal road be public or private? <br />Barnhart stated the project would be a departure from the City's vision for the Rural Area. The proposed <br />density requires municipal sewer but it does not meet the Metropolitan Council's standards for expanding <br />the MUSA. If added to the MUSA, it would likely require guiding other properties for higher density. <br />Such properties are scarce in Orono and they are needed to offset future expected low density <br />developments already in the MUSA. <br />Barnhart requested the Planning Commission provide direction to the applicant on the sketch plan. <br />Schoenzeit asked what the dry buildable acreage is for this site. <br />Barnhart indicated it is approximately 17 acres. <br />Lemke asked what the length of the cul-de-sac is. <br />Barnhart stated to his understanding it is 1,500 feet. <br />John Quinlivan, Gordon James Construction, stated this is nearly a 40 -acre site and that they considered <br />three options: One, leave the site as is with the existing house; two, create equestrian sites; and three, <br />develop it within the existing zoning today. Quinlivan stated the challenge with the property is that it is a <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />