11-12-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 8 Shawn Benson, 1220 Lyman, stated they learned about this seven days ago from an anonymous letter, and that he is wondering what the process is for how this is supposed to unfold and how the neighbors learn about it. Ressler stated the Planning Commission’s responsibility is to provide feedback to the City Council and that they have the option of either voting for, against, or tabling the application. Barnhart stated Staff sent out a postcard to properties located within 500 feet of the two subject parcels. That notice has to be sent out between 10 and 20 days before the meeting. Staff did field a number of calls and questions right away, which demonstrates that people received it. If the Planning Commission elects to table the application, direction will be provided to the applicant on how they should proceed, and then it will be heard at the City Council meeting on November 12th. Benson stated it would be nice to notify everyone on Lyman and Smith because they are all impacted by it and that they might not be dealing with completely accurate information. Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Ressler stated what is proposed is unclear, which is the difficulty a number of people are having today. Providing equitable access to the trail and addressing safety concerns would be agreeable to the neighbors but that he is not sure how they get there. It is not clear whether that can be done with an alternative access point. McCutcheon stated he would be in favor of tabling the application. McCutcheon indicated he drove down there this weekend and the road is tight. The neighborhood needs a cul-de-sac. If there is a plan that depicts the cul-de-sac and the trail access, that would be very helpful. Due to the City’s pavement project, the timeline is tight and requires decisions to be made rather quickly. McCutcheon recommended they show the sanitary sewer solution as well on the plan. Thiesse asked when the road project will be reviewed by the City Engineer. Barnhart indicated it will be this winter. Thiesse asked if the cul-de-sac will fit on the right-of-way. Barnhart indicated it will not and that the City would like to make it as standard as possible for emergency vehicle access. Thiesse stated the three concerns he heard related to access, safety, traffic, and turnaround. Thiesse stated he usually is not in favor of vacations, but that a turnaround will be provided with a cul-de-sac. While the owner is going to benefit greatly by this, he will also be giving back so the City will not be losing anything. If a formal plan that meets all the requirements is submitted, he would likely be in support of it. Gettman stated a decision at this point would be premature and that he would be in favor of tabling it at this point.