09-25-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 11, 207 7:00 o'clock p.m. 17. #17-3932 YMCA OF GREATER TWIN CITIES, 135 ORONO ORCHARD ROAD NORTH, SKETCH PLAN — Continued Quinlivan stated he can understand the resistance of the neighbors wanting to see this property developed but that he would request the City approach the Metropolitan Council regarding the hookup to the MUSA system. Mayor Walsh asked whether anyone from the public would like to comment on this application. Kelly Lowe, 105 Orono Orchard Road, stated in her view this is a very irresponsible plan since it violates every City code for this zoning district. Lowe stated she and her neighbors did substantial remodeling a number of years ago and that they followed the rules of the City. Lowe stated even though she and the neighbors knew there was the sewer pipe in the street, they all installed septic sites rather than attempt to get the MUSA boundary changed. Lowe stated septic systems done right are environmentally sound and that the subject property should have to comply with the same boundary. Lowe commented the neighbors all know the property belongs to the YMCA and that at some point there would be some type of development. Lowe noted the property consists of approximately 17 buildable acres. As it relates to the setback of 250 feet from the creek, Lowe stated Mr. Rydell would not want those three back lots platted out. Lowe stated the applicant should take the buildable land, divide it according to the zoning, and then put in private septic systems and wells. Mike Benedict, 25 Orono Orchard Road, stated he is not against development but in his view the 15 lots is an extreme reach with regard to the existing ordinances. Benedict stated the house he built was based on the rural nature of the area and that he would ask that the rural character be kept intact. Dave Phelps, 1950 Fox Ridge Road, stated this is a great opportunity to put an end to anyone trying to turn Orono into a community of more densely populated homes. Phelps indicated he moved out here for the rural, quiet setting along with the wildlife and that it would be a shame to see the City's rules changed for something that is not a hardship. Phelps encouraged the City Council to hold steadfast to the rules and to require that the property be developed within the current constraints on the property. James Lowe, 105 Orono Orchard Road, stated he would like to echo some of the comments made earlier. Lowe stated he always knew this site would be developed someday but that he felt it would be developed within the City's current set of rules, which is what the neighbors are asking for since there is no hardship or rational for deviation. Seals stated in her view the Council should not amend any of the rules to accommodate development of this property or change the MUSA boundary. Seals stated the rules are in place for a reason and that she gets more calls than not to not do any more developments. Seals stated she is not in favor of the higher density. Printup and Dankey stated they are in agreement with Council Member Seals. Walsh concurred the property should be developed within the City's current standards. The City Council took no formal action on this item. Page 12 of 17