07-15-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JULY 15, 1996 ( #9 - 92154 John O'Sullivan/Erwin Smith - Continued) Peterson said he would not have envisioned changing the zoning one year ago but now views it differently, noting a recent proposal further south on Shadywood for a minor rezoning from residential to commercial for an automotive graphics business. He suggested the two sites be considered together_ There are two residential lots combined with the lot that was considered for the auto graphics site. Berg said she did not believe the Commission would want to tie the two properties together. Goetten said the back lots were zoned residential, and the applicants had proposed rezoning. Goetten said the Council wanted to look at all of Navarre before making any changes. In discussing whether to look at Navarre as a whole or property by property, Lindquist said it could not all be done at once. Lindquist saw the need for developers to make anything happen and rezoning alone would not accomplish anything. Berg cited an example in Minneapolis of a neighborhood revitalization. She said the business owners had to be convinced to become involved by offering incentives. Mabusth later noted in the meeting that the business owners back in 1987 were offered low interest loans but still had no interest. Berg acknowledged O'Sullivan's pride in his property and saw the proposal as an improvement. She also saw the need to look at the highest and best use of the property and was not convinced residential would be the answer. She • noted the neighbors were pleased with the proposal at hand. • Mabusth asked for a reason why the property was not suitable for housing. Berg said it was close to an intersection and not large enough to attract a developer. Peterson said he thought the neighbors would prefer a buffer such as a church but that was not voiced. Lindquist asked about petitions for and against the project. O'Sullivan noted that petitions were presented at both information meetings as well as located in his store. Of all the signatures, he has only received one in opposition, and that person lives farther away from the site. O'Sullivan said he has heard no opposition. Peterson acknowledged the change of heart from those neighboring property owners in this application as compared to the previnus application for a shelter for this property. O'Sullivan also questioned the affordability of land for moderate housing on the site. It was noted that the public was not notified of this sketch plan review. The next door neighbor to this property, John Erickson, was said to not oppose or voice positively for this proposal. 15