11-18-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 18, 1996 •( #11 - #2196 Genmar Industries - Continued) Gaffron reported that the property owned by Genmar Industries is two separate tax parcels. This application refers to the property on the west side on Tanager Lake, north of the bridge. The proposal calls for a parking area on this property. There are a number of trees on this property that would be affected. The property includes an existing protected bluff. The 28 -stall parking lot would require the removal of two- thirds of the bluff. Also affected is the 0 -75' setback requiring a hardcover variance for access. Gaffron reported that Hennepin County indicated they had no problem with the access location. The proposal will require extensive grading and cutting into the hillside. There would be a berm on the lake side and by the road to screen the parking lot. The City Engineer has recommended a larger pond be constructed than what is currently proposed. Gaffron read a letter into the minutes from the DNR recommending denial of the application for what they see is a self - created hardship. The DNR noted that the proposal would call for removal of 5000 cubic yards or the top 18' of the bluff. Gaffron reiterated the City approvals required by the project as proposed which include the following: 1) Conditional use permit for land alteration in excess of 100 cubic yards, 2) Variance for land alterations within 75' of the shoreline, 3) Hardcover within 75' of the shoreline, 4) Intensive vegetation clearing within 75' of the shoreline and in a bluff impact iszone, and 5) Hardcover in 75 -250' zone in excess of 25% allowed. Gaffron indicated that the MCWD has not yet responded to the proposal. He did note, however, that the State archaeologist felt the site was natural and did not contain dredge spoils. The archaeologist said there are no indications of any burial on the property. • Gaffron reviewed the inconsistencies between the proposal and the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that it was inappropriate to do any reworking of the lakeshore. The bluff destruction to create a parking lot was not consistent with the Comp Plan. Gaffi-on indicated that a variance was required for extensive tree removals which would change the features of the bluff. The proposal would also change the neighbors view of the marina as well as the parked cars. Gaffi-on reported that the issue of safety was suggested as a justification for granting the variance in the hardship statement. In 1989, the LMCD approved the expansion of slips on Tanager Lake, which was then accommodated by the City by allowing parking expansion on the east side of the road. However, the current parking situation does not meet code, and the proposal is an attempt to meet the code. 28