09-11-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, August 21, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Kelly Lowe, 105 Orono Orchard Road, noted she did submit a letter to the City. Lowe stated she is not anti -building but that she is a rule follower. Lowe stated she is not opposed to a development that is in the rural area with septic and water, but that does not mean they can get 15 lots. Lowe stated they might be able to get four or five homes. Lowe stated the land in back of the site is pristine, gorgeous, and hilly. Lowe stated the thought that any builder would come in and rip 10 to 15 feet off of the topography and put something like what has been proposed makes her ill. Lowe stated there are a number of violations going on with the proposed plan, which is what she is going to speak to. Lowe stated the top three northern lots are within 250 feet of the creek and they are not eligible for an RPUD unless there is a waiver. Lowe stated she does not want the City to grant a waiver in this case. Lowe stated she remodeled her home and stuck substantial money into it and followed the rules. Lowe noted she was not allowed to tap into the MUSA system. Lowe stated she anticipates that everyone around her in Orono should also follow the rules. Lowe stated the property is not in MUSA for a reason. The City's intent at the time the Comprehensive Plan was developed was to avoid creating new pockets of higher density within defined rural areas and she is asking the City to stick to that. Lowe stated the site also has steep slopes and that she would encourage the Planning Commissioners to visit the site. Any development on this site would significantly impact the topography, the vegetation, and the wildlife. Lowe requested the Planning Commission keep the zoning rural, and that if they want to put lovely homes with private septic sewers and wells, they can do that. Judy Wood, 1230 Woodhill Road, encouraged the Planning Commission to follow the Comprehensive Plan since it is a very important guiding document for Orono. Marsha Rokke, 180 Orono Orchard Road, stated the 2 -acre zoning should remain as it is and that they need to keep Orono rural. Samantha Muldoon, 1801 West Farm Road, stated she is against changing the zoning since it is a departure from a historical standpoint and from the current plan. Muldoon stated the residents rely upon consistency and transparency from their government and also rely on them being fair to everyone. Page 5 of 7