06-19-1995 Planning Commission Minutes

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u MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON TUNE 19, 1995 ( #2 - #2029 William Smith - Continued) Beth Casody, owner of Lot 2, said expanding the width of the drive defeats the purpose of maintaining the aesthetics of the area. An expansion would encroach on the trees. The area is well populated by wildlife. Casody said she would be happy to maintain the circle for emergency vehicles. Lindquist said the initial wider road up to the first driveway would be preferred for safety reasons. Gordon Buhrer, owner of property to the west, said he appreciates the narrowness of the existing road. If the road had to be widened, Buhrer felt it would encourage more traffic; and did not see any reason to widen it if the neighbors each preferred to keep it narrow. Commission members did not believe the the amount of upgrade being discussed would affect either the privacy or the aesthetics. Maintenance would be required, however. In discussing how wide the driveway should be, Mabusth noted there are no standards in the code for driveways. Schroeder commented, if we now were to have three homes on the driveway, it would technically be a road, so the Commission is able to discuss the width. Rowlette commented on the inability to pass on the road. Nolan said the 4" of gravel for the driveway is insufficient. Smith said there was also a 6" underlavment. Casody reported on a moving van's ability to manuever and make a complete circle on the turnaround in Lot 2. Casody also noted that meeting another car on the drive only required a 15' backing up movement of a vehicle. Smith cautioned about setting a precedent, citing the Stronghold property being paved with a cul -de -sac. Mabusth said the paving was completed after the fact and noted the Council had dealt with the same issues on the Melamed subdivision. Rowlette moved, Lindquist seconded, to approve Application 92029 for variances to the subdivision regulations with the stipulation that additional property be available on the first lot to remain at 2 acres to allow widening and upgrading of the driveway to the location of the new curb cut off the driveway. The 10' existing driveway will be widened to at least 18' with gravel. The remainder of the driveway acccessing the other two lots will be widened to a 12' width. An outlot will be designated through Lot 2. The applicant asked what would happen if the wetland rules were relaxed in the future. Mabusth said the proposals all would be subject to current code. Ayes 7, Nays 0. 4