05-18-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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t• • ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 18, 1998 (#2 - #2340 Robert Waade - Continued) Smith commented on drainage issues to which the applicant replied there would be no problem with directing drainage to the pond, and he is willing to work with the City Engineer to resolve any drainage issues. Stoddard stated various neighbors had comments about drainage, and Gaffron noted it is not the obligation of this developer to solve neighborhood problems, but the developer cannot create any new ones. Gaffron suggested additional work needs to be done on the grading plan. The applicant noted he would make whatever revisions are required. Stoddard asked if the applicant could alleviate the driveway variance issues. The applicant discussed moving the driveway or redesigning the garage layout to avoid the variance if that was necessary. Smith asked for public comments. David Dalvey of 3230 Bohns Point Lane stated he had previously presented the Commission with a signed petition with 23 names of people who do not want multi- family housing, and had a 21 name addendum to this petition. He asked that the variances that are required not be granted. • Sam Marfield, 2455 North Shore Drive, stated Orono should not promote rental property. Smith asked if variances are required whether or not a single home or multi-family dwelling is placed on this lot. Gaffron responded affirmatively, noting that most of the variances are a result of the front/back lot configuration, and would be required even if Lot 2 was designated as a single family lot. Gaffron noted a duplex layout change would be needed to avoid the driveway variance. Smith asked what would change if this was a single family home rather than a duplex. Gaffron replied that the 1/2 acre area is required for either use, and a width variance would be needed for either use if the North Shore Drive frontage was considered the front. Berg said the Council needs to determine what is the highest and best use of the site. McMillan stated a duplex is allowed by code for this zone. Hawn said the applicant has the right to build a duplex, to which Stoddard agreed it is zoned for three units and multi-family. Stoddard stated his concerns surround drainage issues, but he has no objections. McMillan said the variances are due to the narrow lot, and the major issue is drainage, which can be resolved. Lindquist said he would prefer a single family rather than multi-family use of the site. Applicant replied that if he did do a single family residence, there would still be rental issues. A resident would like to see 2 single family homes and asked that variances not be provided. Smith said there is no reason she cannot approve the duplex use. Hawn said it is a permitted use and the applicant has a right to that use. • 3