05-15-1995 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 15, 1995 (93 - #2022 Robert Melamed - Continued) The Applicant is desiring to keep away from the wetland areas which would require removal of 650' trees and excessive filling within wetlands. A permit is automatically granted by the MCWD if the wetland filling does not exceed 400'. The MCWD will review grading plans. No mitigation is needed but Applicant does plan to dredge wetlands in the future. Melamed would like to create a ponding area and deepen another pond. He advised that he received positive feedback on this from the MCWD. Mabusth said that this would be considered a major application involving a conditional use permit and variance. Mabusth asked Applicant the purpose of the alteration. Melamed said this would increase the wildlife areas and general aesthetic purposes, and to replace what has been destroyed in the past. It was noted that this is part of the general plan and not a part of the current review. The Applicant reported that after discussions with the Council, Park Commission, and Planning Commission, a 15' outlot is requested at the west lot line adjacent to county road for a bike trail and would be part of the park dedication. Melamed noted that the Park Commission was concerned with buffering the City preserve area on the east side from this property. A decision is needed on whether this should be dedicated on fee title as park dedication land or protected on private covenants. Melamed noted the Park • Commission preferred a park dedication, while the Council was in favor of a buffer zone as it was felt that better control was afforded if City owned land rather than controlled as in covenants. The driveway on the south side needs to be decided. If no internal road is built, then two - shared driveways are currently proposed, one off county road and one off City driveway. The question of whether the City desires to grant itself a variance or upgrade the drive to a City road needs to be decided upon. The upgrade would require a cul -de -sac, which Melamed said the neighbors do not want. Melamed said the Park Commission felt the area would not be enhanced by an upgrade. The Council is uncomfortable with granting a variance and is possibly looking at amending the code on the number of residences allowed to be served by a driveway. The Applicant prefers that a variance be given. Peterson read into the record a letter from Frances Graham and Robert Gumnit voicing their desire that the City grant itself a variance. Graham and Gumnit also asked that the developer not be allowed to use the word "preserve" in its name as they felt it was confusing and potentially misleading. They asked that trees and wetlands be maintained. During public comments, Mike Ellis, who lives next door to the property on the south, voiced his disapproval of bike trails on the property. Ellis asked how the creek would be crossed serving lot 4, and Melamed replied that a concrete culvert would be installed. Ellis objected strongly to the proposed Willow Drive to Brown Road trail. •