Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday, September 16,2019 <br /> 6:30 p.m. <br /> Alexander noted there is 17 feet on that side and the required setback is 10 feet. <br /> Ressler asked if the only variance being requested is to the average lakeshore setback. <br /> Curtis indicated that it correct. <br /> Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. <br /> Stacy Marks, 3127 Casco Circle, stated the reason she is here tonight is to say that while it is not in the <br /> packet, her view is very much impacted by the new residence. One of the things to note is the current <br /> view over on the right side of the boathouse. A number of photographs have been taken and she would be <br /> happy to share those with the Planning Commission. <br /> Marks stated as a homeowner on the lake, she is interested in preserving her sightline, which is basically <br /> 180 degrees, and that she would not expect anything different. Having an entire house in front that does <br /> affect my view so three sides of that house can have full views of the lake is not very equitable. Only <br /> asking for views from one side of her house. <br /> Several things have been misstated or overstated,such as the lot would be unbuildable without the <br /> variance. Casco Point and Casco Circle have a number of lots that are unbuildable. This lot is 125 feet at <br /> the roadside down to the lake, and to call that lot unbuildable does not meet the muster test for how that <br /> has been used here. <br /> Marks stated one of the other things she has done is attempted to come up with a solution. The survey <br /> showing her property and view is marked with a highlighter. The portion that is impacted,which Kristie <br /> mentioned, would be this corner. Given the limitations of the survey,the perspective is lost. The existing <br /> cottage is a 1940s cottage and at the corner it is nine feet tall. Marks stated from the main level of her <br /> house,that currently does not obstruct her view and neither does the shed behind it. The concern with <br /> seeing the plans would be the corner of the house that impacts her lake view since the new structure <br /> would be much higher than what exists. If the house could be pulled back to free up that corner,that <br /> would improve the situation,and instead of needing a variance for 100 percent of the house,which will <br /> have three sides of lake view, a more equitable solution would be to allow an existing adjacent <br /> homeowner maintain their current view. <br /> In looking at the Casco Circle neighborhood and in keeping with the character, Marks indicated she used <br /> some tracing paper over the survey and actually turned the structure and brought it all the way up into the <br /> pocket. Marks stated she is not asking for that but that she is asking to preserve her current sightlines. At <br /> the last meeting one of the biggest statements that was made was that the goal and planning mission is to <br /> preserve sightlines. This is a very important issue not only for herself but for other homes on the <br /> lakeshore. <br /> Currently the City appears to have a very loose definition of what an unbuildable lot is, and as an existing <br /> homeowner,granting this variance will allow the homeowner to enjoy the right to have adequate sunlight, <br /> have views of the lake, and to maintain the property as it is currently being used, but she has those same <br /> rights too. <br /> Ressler indicated he would agree with that and that the Planning Commission will take that into <br /> consideration. <br /> Page 5 of 24 <br />