11-18-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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1�1 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 18, 1996 ( #11 - #2196 Genmar Industries - Continued) Gaflron said Police Chief Cheswick suggested that the proposal would not solve all of the problems present but would solve some parking needs. He was concerned that the project would bring trespassers closer to the channel and security could be a concern. He saw the proposal as a solution for the slip customers. Cheswick had also suggested revisiting suggestions made in 1989 for a tunnel under the bridge, or a bridge over the road. Gaffron said there are few documented incidents of pedestrian crossing problems, but he noted it was difficult to cross given the high volume and regularity of traffic on CoRd 15. Gaffron noted the City Engineer has reviewed the proposal, indicating it would require a larger pond in addition to the typical conditions such as a hauling route, disposal location, construction schedule, and traffic control plans. Gaffron noted that the proposal would help applicant meet in the parking requirements for the new building proposed under Application #2195. Gaffron asked the Planning Commission to consider the issues presented. Staff recommends that other options be considered for safe access without removal of the bluff. McConnell, in answering the issues brought forward by Gaffron, noted safety to be the is reason behind the proposal and not the over development of the dockage system. She noted that the police department records did not reflect the near misses of accidents as a result of pedestrian crossing. McConnell felt the proposal was the best solution. She also reiterated Hennepin County's approval of the access and provision of adequate sight line. McConnell indicated that it would only take one fatality to counter any of the issues brought forward. McConnell addressed the issue of removal of a portion of the bluff. The berm proposed is a counter to this issue according to McConnell. A cross section of the property was shown noting the proposal would preserve the rise in the topography and hide the parking area. From the Tanager Lake side, there would still be a raise in the land and a trail to the shore provided. McConnell said the proposal addressed the views and the noise issue. She also said the applicant was revisiting the storm water area to meet construction schedule needs. Melby informed the Commission that the proposal called for only the excavation of what was needed to the 950' contour and matched on the other side. The existing plantings would be left as much as possible. He also noted that the plan calls for working from the inside out to eliminate any more excavation than necessary. McMillan asked if there would be any steps and was informed that steps would be placed • where needed. She was also informed that the grade would be at a 3:1 slope. 29