11-18-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 18, 1996 •( #lA - #2197 John O'Sullivan and North Central CBA - Continued) McMillan inquired about the use of the sidewalk along CoRd 19. Gaffron stated that the sidewalk leads up to the northerly corner of the church property. McMillan indicated that the sidewalk was inadequate for use as a trail. Gaffron explained that the right -of -way on CoRd 19 would likely not allow for a trail. If parking was allowed within 5' of the lot line instead of the required 20', there would also not be room for a trail without the loss of green space. The rectangular area of right -of -way owned by the County is needed for potential expansion for a future turn lane and would tie into the site plan under agenda item #2. When asked for comments, O'Sullivan told the Commission that the City had encouraged the vacation of Navarre Lane as it had been part of the City's plan to do so. The proposed vacation had been integrated into the site plan for the improvements. Now without the vacation, O'Sullivan said he has had to down size the buildings nearly 20% and is at the point of economically being unable to reduce further. O'Sullivan reported he has seen little pedestrian traffic on Navarre Lane over the two years he has owned the property. He believes alot of homes will naturally follow the flow of the upper road resulting in his Olive Avenue trail proposal. He noted that the Olive Avenue trail would lead to the City's existing park. He also indicated he had received no objection • to the trail as he proposed at the public meeting. The vertical drop by the rear parking area was also said to be a problem according to O'Sullivan. He is concerned with having to begin back at Olive Avenue to begin the ramp. He also feels there will be an impact on the wetlands as well as the aesthetics. He noted if the turnaround proposed by Hennepin County is completed, the trail on Navarre Lane would dump out into the turn lane. He believes the lowest traffic incident area would be at Olive and CoRd 19. Gaffron reminded the Commission that the trail proposals are conceptual in nature at this point. McMillan questioned if it was the intent of O'Sullivan to bring the Olive Avenue trail onto his property as it is now shown in the center of the street. O'Sullivan said the trail could parallel Olive and could also be reduced in grade with the addition of more green space. Lindquist inquired how wide the sidewalk is along CoRd 19. Gaffi-on said it appeared to be 6' wide. Lindquist asked if any consideration had been given to enlarging the sidewalk to 8'. O'Sullivan said it would be an option but he has not addressed it. The proposed trail is conceptually planned to end at CoRd 19 at the sidewalk. •