11-16-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 16, 1998 (#2395 Brent Bentrott, continued) the curb cut to Bluff Street to provide a less steep landing area. Van Zomeren remarked that Tom Kellogg, City Engineer, has reviewed this property and has concerns regarding the negative impact the grading would have on the adjoining property as well as the need to relocate the curb cut on Bluff Street if that street is ever opened for public purpose. Van Zomeren stated the Planning Commission had recommended in July that Bluff Street not be vacated. The proposed driveway cannot be contained on the Applicant's property because of the existing topography and the need to provide a grade of ten percent or less for the driveway. Chair Smith stated to her recollection the reason the last plan submitted in October was not looked favorably upon was due to concerns regarding grading and drainage, and this newly revised plan seems to be similar to a previous plan that was submitted where the Applicant was advised that the Planning Commission would not look favorably upon a vacation to Bluff Street. Bentrott remarked this is a new plan that has not been submitted before. Chair Smith commented this plan appears to have a different degree of impact on Bluff, but it was the consensus of the Planning Commission a couple of months ago that they would not look favorably upon any plan that would impact Bluff Street. Van Zomeren stated that it was her understanding that Bluff Street currently contains a grade of 23 percent. • Bentrott stated he received Kellogg's letter on Thursday, noting that the proposed curb cut is 19 feet and not the 20 feet as stated in Kellogg's letter. Bentrott remarked the curb cut could be further reduced if necessary. Stoddard inquired whether the driveway could be completely located on the Applicant's property. Van Zomeren stated the driveway cannot be located entirely on the Applicant's property due to the topography that exists and the need to have a flat area to make the proper grade. Van Zomeren commented that the grade of the driveway was not known at the last meeting. Chair Smith inquired whether there were any public comments. There were no public comments. Chair Smith stated there has been some comments received from the adjoining neighbors Mark and Pam Palm. Van Zomeren remarked that City Staff has received some inquiries from the Palms regarding what is being proposed. The Palms are proposing to do some underpinning around the foundation of their house. The City Engineer has stated that grading cannot accurately occur up to the property line, and that some grading may occur on the neighbor's property. Chair Smith stated according to some comments contained in Van Zomeren's memorandum, the Palms have concerns about the drainage impact on their property. Smith inquired what the Palms exact concerns were regarding. • Van Zomeren stated the Palms have reviewed the proposed plan and called City Staff saying they Page 2