08-19-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 19, 1996 ( #1 - #2158 John O'Sullivan/Grace Baptist Church Property - Rezoning - Continued) O'Sullivan said he considered the neighborhood, the intense use on adjacent properties, and the allowed uses in each district to determine that the best fit is B -5 commercial. He continued that he found no offensive uses among those permitted in B -5 and noted they were uses that generated low traffic. O'Sullivan reported that he held two public tent meetings the end of June. He notified all property owners within 600' of the site, which is two times what is required by law, and also went door to door in a half mile square vicinity. 80 people, including 2 Planning Commissioners, attended the meetings. The comments received by O'Sullivan were favorable to the concept noting there would be no infringement on the neighborhood. Petitions were available and were signed by almost all of those in attendance. All but a couple of people supported the concept. O'Sullivan also provided drawings of the plans and a petition in his nearby store in mid -July. He received 200 signatures of which the majority showed a telephone prefix of 471, which is that of the Navarre area. O'Sullivan said he also spoke with about 80 business owners and received signatures of those favoring the concept. Only 5 or 6 were said to not voice favor but asked questions about the proposal. Only one of the opposed was an Orono resident. O'Sullivan concluded that the B -5 was a great fit between the busier B -1 business district • and the residential zoning. He noted that no one adamantly opposed the project. The most concern was that of tearing down a church. O'Sullivan said the purchase option was soon to expire, and a decision needs to be made soon on whether to continue pursuing the property. General plans have been made but a comprehensive plan is awaiting the rezoning issue decision. O'Sullivan said he has received numerous inquiries regarding the space to include realty offices, insurance, and floral shop. He, at this point, is unable to go any further in the application until the rezoning is decided. O'Sullivan noted that he owns two of the adjoining parcels and sees the joint development as an opportunity for the future of the area. Peterson said he attended the neighborhood meeting and noted those in attendance were for the concept, who said they were tired of seeing the empty building. Peterson said the City does not change zoning without alot of thought but feels the concept would fit in the comprehensive plan of the City. He felt the question was whether the City should look at one parcel versus the long range plans for the Navarre area, noting there was no plan to do so at this time. Peterson felt if the application was in regards to another location, it would go through the long range analysis, but he sees this property as unique and lends itself to its own development within the neighborhood. Peterson said he would like to see the property rezoned to B -5 but would like to change some of the wording within the B -5 description and allowed uses now in the zoning code, i.e. removal of tobacco shops. Peterson asked if there is anyone who is opposed to the project? • Lindquist opened the meeting to a public hearing and asked for comment.