09-18-1995 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18, 1995 ( #2 - #2065 Marfield/Hill/Toles - Continued) The paved portion of Scotch Pine Lane would be removed and the property replatted in this proposal. The Hills would gain a portion of Scotch Pine adjacent of their house as well as the majority of the cul -de -sac, giving the Hills a continuous single parcel from the County road to the lake. Mr. Toles on Lot 3 would gain the end portion of the cul -de -sac area. The Toles driveway would be revised to gain access from CoRd 51. Regrading would be done to eliminate the existing drainage pipe. The Marfields would gain the west and southwest portions of Scotch Pine Lane. A 20'x90' outlot is proposed for the shared portion of the proposed Marfield/Hill driveway. Staff is concerned that the replat would result in a " backlot" configuration which would not meet the 150% acreage or setback standards. The Marfield lot would appear to become a backlot under the proposal. Another Staff concern is that with the area being .zoned for 2 -acre lots today, if this 3 -lot plat was proposed, the City would require platting of a private road 50' wide with a 100' cul -de -sac and a 24' paved road. The application as proposed does not meet the current City codes, but what currently exists does meet code. Marfield commented that if the three lots had 6 acres, the lots could accommodate the roads. It was his opinion that all of the blacktop to serve the three small parcels was too much. He noted City officials in the past had agreed with this opinion. Peterson commented that requirements are changing. The Fire Department feels the road as it even now stands does not totally meet their needs and would ask for more road if that were possible, i.e., larger cul -de -sacs or loop roads. Marfield said Scotch Pine Lane is the only public road between CoRd 51 and Bohn's Point. He would like this road to be similar to the other accesses in the area, most of which are driveways. Hill suggested that the fire department use the grassed areas to gain access. It was commented that fire trucks could get stuck in the grassed areas creating new problems. Mrs. Hill noted that the fire department could not access the Toles property as it now exists. Rowlette concurred with this notation. Marfield noted that, although Orono is into green spaces, it allowed this 3/4 acre of blacktop to be built where it isn't necessary. The Commissioners agreed that they too like the green grassy areas but trends are changing for emergency situations. The police department has responded that they approve the proposal. The fire department had not been notified of the proposal. It was noted that the public uses the road, even though it is marked dead -end, and are creating a safety hazard by driving 30 mph. Mrs. Marfield noted that her grandchildren had a close call from being hit by such a car driving on the road. Other concerns were noted regarding security of the area.