10-21-2019 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2019 6:30 o'clock p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. Libby commented the design seems to bring some linearity to the lot and the new placement makes sense so he would be in favor of the proposal. McCutcheon indicated he is in agreement with Commissioner Libby. Erickson stated he is leaning towards approval. Thiesse commented this is a neat little neighborhood that is in transition and that he realizes there are some challenges to the lot. Thiesse indicated he would be in favor of the application. Ressler stated the condition is improving and not outside the scope of the neighborhood. Libby moved, Gettman seconded, to recommend approval of Application No. LA19-000083, Everlast Enterprises, Inc., 315 Crestview Avenue, variances. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. 6. LA19-000078 LAKEWEST DEVELOPMENT, 3245 WAYZATA BOULEVARD WEST, SKETCH PLAN, 8:20 P.M. — 9:08 P.M. Curt Fretham, Lakewest Development, was present. Barnhart stated the applicant is requesting feedback on a proposed development that was formally known as the Eisinger property. In 2016, the City Council approved the preliminary plat for Eisinger Meadows, which was a 27 -unit residential subdivision. The homes were arranged in a detached townhome style along a single private street. In 2018, sketch plan support was offered for the development of an apartment building on the vacant land south of Eisinger Meadows. That area was previously used as a landfill. In the development of that preliminary plat, the developer found that the cost estimates to clean up that landfill exceeded their previous expectations and they are currently exploring other options for development of the area. One of those options is to develop the apartment building first. Barnhart noted Staff did not spend a lot of time reviewing the proposed layout and design of the apartment building at this stage. The primary purpose for this sketch plan review is to understand the Planning Commission's and City Council's support for adjusting the land use from urban medium residential to high-density residential. The property is currently zoned RR -IA, which is low density residential, and it is guided for urban medium density residential, which is 3-10 units per acre. The proposed development is 23.9 units per acre, which is high density. Staff has noted the following areas where the project does not meet approvable standards or could be improved: 1. The building design, although not 100 percent refined, presents a rather plain fagade. For a project of this scale and at this location, Staff envisions some additional building architecture/design, including face breaks to reduce the effect of the long, tall elevation planes. Page 14 of 20