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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 20, 1998 <br /> (#12 - #2296 Robert Bredeson- Continued) <br /> Another concern is the lift station located on the northeast corner. It was incorrectly <br /> installed. The applicant is to be compensated and a utility easement required. It was <br /> determined in 1972 that there was no need to reassess the value of the property due to the <br /> lift station because it did not decrease its buildability. The zoning requirements have not <br /> changed since that time. The history of the land value indicates a discrepancy with the <br /> two adjacent properties, which questions whether the lot was taxed as a buildable lot. <br /> Bressler reference a letter from City Attorney Barrett, which indicates that if the property <br /> was deemed unbuildable, it would not be a taking and would not deprive the property <br /> owner of its use. <br /> Bressler reviewed the issues 1-11 as noted in the information packet. He then reviewed <br /> considerations for the Commission to approve or deny and issues regarding the buildability <br /> of the lot. (See pages 5-9 of the packet.) <br /> Bredeson said he was unaware of the structural coverage limitation of 1500 s.f until <br /> recently. He said he is willing to reduce the size of the residence. He indicated that the <br /> change would affect the average lakeshore setback. Regarding the lift station, Bredeson <br /> said the City planned on placing it in the corner and adding shrubbery and controls, which <br /> was not done. <br /> • There were no public comments. <br /> Schroeder asked if the applicant received any settlement for the lift station. Bredeson said <br /> he received $925 to reimburse him for his attorney fees but not for the easement. <br /> Lindquist asked if an offer of$2,000 was made for the easement. Bredeson said an <br /> attempt was made at that time to reduce the value of the land. Lindquist asked if a sewer <br /> charge was made to the property. Bredeson said he did not believe so because the tax rate <br /> was less due to the vacancy of the land. <br /> Lindquist questioned, with the small lot and the lack of a sewer charge, whether the lot <br /> was ever considered buildable. Bredeson said other lots in the neighborhood are similar in <br /> size with the same setback. He feels that no precedent would be set if the lot was deemed <br /> buildable as there are no other vacant lots. Hawn said the other homes were built many <br /> years ago prior to current zoning regulations. She informed Bredeson that the <br /> Commission has never granted variances for a house of this size on such a small lot since <br /> zoning regulations were put into effect. Without the sewer assessment, Hawn feels the <br /> history of the property indicates that there was no intention for this lot to be buildable. <br /> John Erickson, 1620 Shadywood, noted his concerns about prior sewer projects done in <br /> the City. <br /> • <br /> 19 <br />