11-16-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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rf ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 16, 1998 • (#2439 Service 800, Inc., continued) Schroeder inquired whether the Applicant had considered constructing a two story building to reduce the structural coverage. Bredeson stated they had considered that alternative but due to the added costs of installing an elevator and extra bathrooms, it was deemed not feasible. McMillan inquired what the City's planning strategy was for this area, noting that this building is definitely commercial in nature. Schroeder commented that this appears to be a good business for this site and Orono as a whole. Hawn inquired whether the road to the rear of the building will be constructed in the near future. Gaffron stated it does not appear that the rear frontage road will be constructed anytime soon. Chair Smith inquired whether there were any public comments. William Wear, Orono Shopping Center, stated he has concerns regarding the amount of hardcover being proposed and the drainage that would result from this development. Wear commented there is a view easement he obtained in an agreement with Sid Rebers. Bredeson stated the building is situated behind the view easement. Gaffron stated the Applicant is aware of the agreement, noting that the agreement is not • enforceable by the City. Gaffron stated the Planning Commission needs to look at the building and determine whether they feel the size of the building is appropriate for the use proposed on this property. Gaffron noted the B-1 district does not list a floor area and lot coverage is mainly determined by the parking needs of the building. Parking is allowed to within three feet of the side lot line. Bredeson commented that they may not have purchased this property had they been aware of the 15 percent structural coverage limit. Stoddard stated the Planning Commission should look at the possible construction of the road and what the impact will be on parking. Gaffron stated the parking stalls were calculated at one per 200 square feet of net usable floor area. Stoddard commented he does not have a problem with the variance on the lot coverage, but noted that parking will need to be further addressed. Stoddard stated he understands why the Applicant has chosen to go with a one-story building versus a two-story building. Lindquist stated in his opinion he does not feel that the rear road will ever be built. Schroeder commented that the City still needs to provide for that possible road in the future, with a need to address the parking for the building. Gaffron stated the Planning Commission could accept the fact that the parking spaces are too close • to the proposed rear road and grant a variance in the event that the road is ever constructed or request that the Applicant reduce the size of the building. Page 14