02-18-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 18, 1997 0 - - ( #2 Saga. Hill Access Continued) Kathryn Kasprick indicated she lives on the other side of Forest Lake from Saga Hill. She questioned whether the Commissions were keeping in mind the limitations placed on the park land property by the DNR during its acquisition. She asked the Commission to review the document. Lindquist informed her that the Commission is aware of the restrictions. Gaffron indicated that the restrictions do not cover the right -of -way. The restrictions cannot stop the roadway from being constructed. Garden Lane was not part of the park land. Jim Steffenson, 4665 West Branch Road, said his property is located to the north of Lot 5. He reported his concerns to be access from West Branch Road, noting the County's concern with the inability to see cars to the east, the grade changes, the major runoff draining into Forest Lake, and additional hardcover on Lots 4 and 5 affecting drainage if they were to be developed. Irene Silber, who lives on West Branch Road to the east of the Steffenson property, reported a person having been killed on West Branch Road. She indicated there is also running water on the road and is concerned with the steep slopes. Richard Krier of RLK Associates, representing Dr. Webb, owner of Lots 2, 4, and 5, indicated the option of the City or preservation groups purchasing the Webb property, which is for sale. Patty Affeldt, reported she lives near the intersection of Tonkaview Lane and County Road 19. She reported Tonkaview Lane as being very busy. She was concerned with the steep hill on Tonkaview if an intersection was built with Garden Lane. She found it difficult to imagine more homes accessing from that roadway. McMillan noted the dynamics of the area have changed with the acquisition of the park land. This has resulted in difficulties, which she feels calls for a comprehensive and creative review. McMillan asked the Staff to further review the issues and inform the Planning Commission and Saga Hill residents of the facts regarding zoning, sewering, and park access. McMillan would like to see these issues grouped together and reviewed as a whole. She noted the acquisition of the park land has been a mixed blessing. Stoddard asked if the City Engineer has reviewed the access issue. Gaffron said the Engineer has only reviewed access from Wildhurst. Gappa said he feels the options have been reviewed and the area looked at as a whole. He indicated the options are detailed. At this time, Staff is seeking guidance and direction from the Planning Commission; and the Commission should attempt to come to a conclusion. • 10