11-17-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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i MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 17, 1997 ( #4 - #2308 Brook Park Realty - Continued) Gleason said the 6" water line will come to the property line and there had been concern over the amount of water flow. As far as looping the main or sprinkling the units, Gleason said he would do what is required and asked if there was a way that the system could be looped. Gappa said he was unfamiliar with it and would have to review the layout to see if enough water could get to the location. Lindquist asked for comments from the applicant regarding the road width. Gleason said the fire marshal thought a 20' width was satisfactory and 22' is proposed. He thought there was no other option for the dead -end cul -de -sac. Gleason said the owner of the property to the west is currently not interested in selling. Van Zomeren said the road would not be extended to the end of the property, only the sewer and water improvements would be located there. The driveway would dead -end at the cul -de -sac. Lindquist agreed that whatever occurs with the property to the west does not factor into this application. Hawn asked if the driveway could extend to CoRd 15. Gleason said no. Concern was voiced regarding the inability to turnaround at the dead -end. Lindquist questioned whether a cul -de -sac could be built there. Hawn was informed that the driveways would be two car lengths. No parking would be allowed along the side of the road. Guests would have to park in the driveway of the units or gain permission from other residents to park in their driveways. There were no public comments. Lindquist asked about the time schedule. Gleason said he was beginning to enter a time crunch due to having to redesign the subdivision. He noted that he was uninformed of any problem with the driveway until now. The fire department had not indicated that having to back into a driveway to turnaround would be a problem. Gleason said it is not a through street, only a private driveway, and access can be gained. Gleason did not believe there was room for a cul -de -sac and additional trees would be lost. Lindquist noted that three residences are allowed on private driveways for single family residences and in this proposal, there are 11 units. Gleason noted there were no guidelines for townhomes in Orono and as a result, new issues are continually being raised. Stoddard indicated that the Commission was attempting to balance safety with tree preservation. He supported having a turnaround. He did not envision a problem regarding the looped water main or sprinkler system since the applicant was willing to do what is necessary. 6