11-16-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 16, 1998 • (#241611417 TOLD Development, continued) Chair Smith inquired whether there were any public comments. Margaret Jagodzinski, 2300 Olive Avenue, expressed concerns regarding the condition of the existing site as well as concerns about lighting, traffic, and the visual appearance of the final development. Jagodzinski stated she would like to see more green space and landscaping to lessen the affect on the neighborhood as well as an attractive building. Chad Nilsson, 3324 Navarre Lane, stated he lives directly across from the site and would like the area to be landscaped and screened to buffer his home from the lights and noise. John O'Sullivan, owner of Culver's, noted he has talked to many businessmen in the area and has a petition in favor of this use from both commercial and residential owners in the Navarre area. O'Sullivan stated that the B-5 zoning was chosen for this use to specifically avoid the B-1 and B-3 potential impacts, noting that Walgreens will have significantly fewer impacts than other possible uses. O'Sullivan cited a need for a drugstore in the Navarre area, and stated he is in favor of the zoning amendment. There were no further public comments. Cunningham noted the standard size of a Walgreen's Drug Store averages between 13,905 to 15,500 square feet. Lindquist stated the Planning Commission needs to determine whether a drugstore should be allowed • at this location and what type of buffer to the surrounding neighborhood should exist. McMillan noted that all of the B-5 Districts need to be considered when arriving at a decision to approve or not approve this text amendment. McMillan inquired whether Walgreens will be expanding the proposed hours, noting that are not open during the peak morning hours. Cunningham stated they would be willing to add a stipulation limiting the amount of hours of operation. Hawn noted that Walgreens is more than just a drugstore and that the issues regarding traffic and impact to the neighborhood need to be addressed further. Hawn felt this project will increase traffic in the Navarre area, which might be better addressed at the next stage of the application. Hawn noted she does not have a problem with this portion of the application. Schroeder commented that Walgreens tends to sell art and book supplies, gifts, pottery, and tobacco products. Cunningham reiterated that Walgreens main consumer base comes from pass-by traffic and the immediate area, noting that Walgreens is looking at approximately a two mile radius. McMillan remarked that Walgreens is in the business of selling more than just medicines and the impact to this area needs to be determined. McMillan noted they are proposing to construct a large building on this site and the intent of the B-5 District is to serve as a buffer zone. McMillan stated in her opinion this is more heavy commercial and might be better suited to a B-1 or B-3 zone. McMillan noted she was not in favor of amending the district. • Lindquist stated he might be in favor of changing it to a B-1. Page 18