08-19-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 19, 1996 • Rezoning - Continued ( #1 - #2158 Jahn O Sullivan /Grace Baptist Church Property - Re g ) John Ericson, 1620 Shadywood, and owner of 2 lots located to the north of the proposed site on CoRd 19, said he had no problem with the plan but was concerned with a parking lot abutting his property and the traffic from the businesses. Ericson said he acquired his lots five years ago and was told by the County that they would not allow any more curb cuts off of CoRd 19 for homes. His access was said to have to come from Olive Avenue. Ericson noted that the current church property has two curb cuts; and if he was not allowed any curb cuts, neither should this property be allowed any additional curb cuts. Ericson said there would be alot of traffic generated by the site with short term traffic coming in and out. Ericson is concerned with the narrow residential streets behind the site and asked the Council to consider where the residential should begin and stop. He questioned whether he should build any houses on the lots. Ericson was concerned with people taking shortcuts through the adjoining neighborhoods to get to the proposed site and would like to see the roads improved. He said he had no problem with what is being proposed with controls noting it was better than what is there now. Janet Roshar of the nearby vet clinic said the area needs a face lift, and she is in favor of the plans. is Janet Simons, in insurance sales the past 11 years, said the proposal would be a wonderful advancement to the area, and she would like to relocate into the proposed building. Jay Richards, 3243 Casco Circle, said he has dealt with O'Sullivan and Smith as businessmen over the last 22 years and viewed them as good people. He would like to encourage them to keep their standards, which he views as higher than those in the area at this time. Gaffron passed around a letter from Robyn and Brett Hallonquist, which was read into the minutes, voicing their approval of the plans. Smith asked O'Sullivan what kind of retail businesses he saw as being located in the building. O'Sullivan gave an example of a flower shop, a gift and card shop, personal services. He said he has not yet put out any notices in the marketplace but has received inquiries from realty houses and insurance agents, which would be good businesses for the neighborhood and fit in the B -5 zoning, adding that these uses did not generate high traffic. O'Sullivan informed Smith that there would be no 24 hour businesses. Smith asked O'Sullivan to comment on the residential traffic. A bike /hike trail was noted. O'Sullivan said there would be no direct outlet to Navarre Lane or Olive Avenue as the traffic pattern is designed to keep away from the residential area. Peterson noted that this was the subject of the only question at the public meetings. • 4