11-17-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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0 0 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 17, 1997 ( #4 - #2308 Brook Park Realty - Continued) The revised plan includes construction of 30 townhomes on 9.93 acre site with access from Livingston Avenue. The units are connected with four per building. The northerly units will be served by a road. The southern units will be served by a driveway. The Mound Fire Department would like to see the 6" water main looped, which will increase the unit cost by $1.50 -$2.00 per square foot, or the units sprinkled. The 22' road width was recommended by the landscape architect in order to maintain trees. The City Engineer has agreed to that width, while noting it does not meet City standards. The issue involved is fire safety versus saving trees. The City Engineer supports the sanitary sewer and water design, which conflicts with the opinion of the fire department. Details will be required for final plan. City Engineer Kellogg recommended Livingston Avenue be extended to the west and sanitary and water main stubs be extended as well. The drainage area map was thought to show high calculations at 20 minute concentration and recommendation is made for a maximum time of concentration of 15 minutes. Pipe grading or sizes may need to be revised. A paved swale or erosion control should be provided downstream from the piping. Details of the pond outlet control and weir should be provided for review. The timber weir may present a future maintenance problem and an alternate outlet structure may be desired. The 19 units served by temporary cul -de -sac exceeds the maximum of 10 allowed. Van Zomeren noted there is no history in Orono of similar townhouse development and questioned whether this should be maintained or changed. Livingston Avenue design is not built to a 30 mph speed and the radius should be increased to 275 ft. or reduced speed warning signs installed, which Staff recommends. The City Engineer also asks that a typical street section be provided to verify the proposed pavement design. Van Zomeren said the landscape consultant has indicated that the revised plan is an improvement and noted the identification has been provided for the larger stands of trees. The preservation level of trees is at about 50 %. Van Zomeren said it was her opinion that the application be tabled to the January meeting in order for review of fire department and engineering recommendations. Since there is a two month span of time, Van Zomeren said a recommendation could be made by the Planning Commission based on the comments received by the City Engineer and landscape consultant. Mr. Gleason said he received a letter dated November 13 from the landscape architect. Van Zomeren reported that she had not received it. A copy was given to Van Zomeren for her immediate review.