02-17-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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IT y MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 17, 1998 • (#4 - #2326 Orono Development - Continued) Lindquist said his concern is also with what will be within the 5' of green space in the front. Sepena said the plan calls for trees with plantings and sod inbetween. Lindquist did not feel this landscaping would survive having snow and salt on it. John O'Sullivan reported that his hedge landscaping in a strip of 5-6' has been maintained for over 10 years. He felt this amount of space is adequate. O'Sullivan also indicated that this area of CoRd 19 has the least amount of traffic on it as compared to the other three quadrants. Smith said she was still concerned with the need for more green space to the front. Berg said she would support a hedge instead of grass along the front green space. The Commissioners continued discussing the other issues noted and voiced approval. Additional comments by Commissioners include agreement with the cedar shake over brick facade. McMillan felt the end bump out islands to the parking area were a negative feature. Gaffron indicated that he has found them to be a necessity for a parking lot. McMillan was informed that the access for Culver's would be in the same location as it is presently. The applicant will be required to submit a lighting plan and will work with Staff. The Commissioners were generally in agreement with the landscaping plan, except as noted in the front of the building. Dillon informed Stoddard that a crosswalk could be S painted in to indicate the sidewalk location at the rear northerly corner of the building. McMillan was informed that the garbage pick-up would require a truck backing up to the dumpster. Berg questioned the signage in front of the building and its size. She did not feel it was in keeping with the character of the building. Dillon said the signage is in compliance with code area limitations. Sepena said the lighting plan is yet to be submitted. Direction was given to the applicant for a uniform look to the signage in keeping with the architectural design of the building. Gaffron indicated that the signage code does not give clear direction regarding this issue and suggested a condition be included regarding signage. Dillon noted that the tenants will want lighted signs. The applicants were informed that the Commissioners were in agreement with the site plan except for signage and green space. Commissioners were in agreement in sending the application on to Council with the stipulation that an additional 10' of green space be found for the front of the building. Dillon said he hoped they have shown the ability to work with Staff. He indicated he has not studied how the building can be moved and will address it with Council. Berg informed Dillon that she lives in the neighborhood, and the neighborhood needs the building to set the tone for more green space. • 5