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) O'Sullivan said he cannot move any farther forward without the rezoning. He acknowledged that other developers would come forward at some future point but noted the comprehensive plan's call for encouragement of private unification and coordinated projects. O'Sullivan said the property could remain as it is, the existing structure could be used, or tax- subsidized housing is a possibility. He asked that with the purchase option, the plan of presentation before the Planning Commission and Council in August be upheld. Schroeder asked what studies were done to see if such a project was viable. O'Sullivan said he stood on the corner and viewed the situation. He noted that since the proposal, others have approached him with interest in the project. Coen added that a cash flow review showed favorable results. Lindquist asked if O'Sullivan would require a certain amount of the building to have lease commitments prior to building. O'Sullivan said he would look at 70 -80 %. Berg said leases would have to be the length of the mortgage. It was noted that of the 23,000 s.f. size, 19,000 would be for office and retail use. O'Sullivan said he has spoken with the Engineer, Shawn Gustafson, who said the plan appears to be a good use and feasible from an engineering standpoint. The engineering • issues will be addressed. • In obtaining Commission viewpoints, Stoddard saw the plan as a good buffer to the residential area. Lindquist said he was in favor of the project. Peterson saw the project and rezoning as appropriate and as a catalyst for the Navarre area. Smith said she was okay with the plan. She did not see it as the perfect buffer; though acknowledged, there may not be a perfect solution. Smith asked why B -5 was considered. Gaffron reviewed the uses in the business districts noting the fit of the B -5 uses with the area. B -I had the most uses. B -3 requires a 2 -acre minimum lot size and accommodates shopping centers and multiple buildings. B -4 provided for professional and office but without any retail. B -5 allows for such uses as municipal, office, clinics, art stores, office supply, real estate, barber shops, photo stores, hobby and gift, antiques, libraries, pet store, and other miscellaneous retail. Other B -5 areas in the City are to the west end of Navarre, with a furniture store, a non - conforming gas station, a Dairy Queen, a veterinarian office, an auto parts store, and office space. Schroeder said he liked the look of the project and asked for direction on how rezoning process occurs. Gaffi on reviewed the process. Schroeder asked that traffic flow improvements be considered and other businesses be encouraged to work with the City for revitalizing the area. 17