04-15-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 15, 1996 9 (#9 - #2128 Orono Hockey Boosters - Continued) i Grabek commented on the amount allowed for landscaping. Hawn said the Boosters are committed to creating a design and meeting the cost. Peterson noted the amount of landscaping money can go a long ways under a 5013C plan. Grabek asked if the Commission had any opposition or objection to moving the building. Hawn said it can be looked at but the parking lot is to be located to the south to allow easy access of the children between the buildings. Hawn said she would think the neighbors would prefer a building to the noise of a parking lot. Peterson said he objected to the parking lot at County Road 6. He said he would not approve the project without accessibility to more parking. Grabek asked the Commission to revisit the issue. He noted there was only 160' of walking distance from the school. Lindquist said he objected to moving the building to the south as he wants the building to face south and provide access with the parking lot to use for student parking. Berg agreed. Grabek asked for a copy of the tape of the meeting. Smith asked Grabek if he was representing his own viewpoint or that of a group. Grabek said he was representing himself. Karin Zeeb asked if any other sites were considered. She was informed that the baseball field site to the east had been considered but viewed unfavorably by the City. Engebretson said the Boosters preferred this site as the purpose is driven by the youth and high school use. Engebretson said the Mound Pond was also considered but it was not a priority of the school district. A joint venture with Wayzata was also considered. Karin Zeeb said her main concern was safety. She noted the dangerous hill by Jamestown and fast traffic. Zeeb said there will be a problem with congestion from cars entering the parking areas and the baseball fields. She was concerned with children walking home from school. She noted the large number of accidents. The possibility of turn lanes was brought up. Zeeb also noted the bike route. Peterson said he agreed that CoRd 6 was a problem but changes were made at the County level. He noted that the original application to the east called for access from CoRd 6 but was rejected. Roger Zeeb asked the City to lower the speed limit. Peterson said the City does not make this determination. He noted when review of speed limits are done, car flowage is measured and speed limits may actually rise. 17