06-16-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JUNE 16, 1997 T SKETCH PLAN S ( #13) #2240 - JIM WATERS, LGA INVESTMENT GROUP, INC., WILDHURST TRAIL - SUBDIVISION /SKETCH PLAN REVIEW Jim Waters was present. Gaffron reported that this was a continuation of a sketch plan review. The Planning Commission had previously requested the applicant to consider clustering. The applicant has submitted two additional sketches providing open space preservation and future connection to West Branch Road. Sketch plan 3 involves the creation of 19 lots averaging less than one acre. The properties are located in both the one acre and two acre zoning and are within and outside the MUSA boundary. The plan would require sewering, a MUSA amendment, a PRD, rezoning for density, and a comprehensive plan amendment. Sketch plan 4 involves 28 smaller lots averaging 80" in width, 1/3 acre in size, in a linear clustering format with open space around the perimeter. A longer open space area is provided along the park boundaries. The homes would be closer together. Sewer would be required and a comprehensive plan amendment. The plan would provide a corridor to West Branch Road. Waters said he found the clustering concept interesting. He noted sketch plan 4 would provide substantial open area, preserve the slope, provide tree and woodland cover, and a potential access to West Branch Road. He noted there would not be room for flexibility within the lots, and it would require more cutting of swaths of ground cover to achieve this clustering. He does not believe this plan makes sense and prefers a more modified clustering as shown in sketch plan. 3. Waters said sketch plan 3 preserves open space and undisturbed areas allowing for wider lot widths averaging 140` and and one acre lot averages. There is also more flexibility in siting homes. Open space would be created on the south, along the road perimeter, the back and side areas, and preservation of dense wooded areas and slopes would be preserved. He suggested conservation easements be considered. Waters said this plan also allows for more movement of the homes to preserve the side lot treed areas. Clear cutting would not be necessary except for the roadway. The access to West Branch Road would be preserved. The sites would allow for sewering. It would allow elimination of the problem with access to the park from the north. Access to the Hennessey parcel would be from the other proposed subdivision property. Plan 3 would eliminate unnecessary traffic through the park. He noted while the plan requires MUSA amendment and comprehensive plan amending, the layout makes sense. • 19