10-21-2019 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2019 6:30 o'clock p.m. Erickson stated he would support it with the four conditions and moving it on to the City Council. Thiesse stated because they are acting on a request for a vacation, in his mind they should deny it because it is lacking certain information. Gettman noted the applicant would get a chance to rectify those omissions before the City Council meeting, and that approving it would essentially mean the Planning Commission is really not necessary. Ressler indicated he is against tabling it and that the Planning Commission has enough information to make a recommendation one way or another. Denying it would give the applicant an opportunity to supplement their application. Gettman moved, Libby seconded, to recommend denial of Application No. LA19-000074, William Griffith on behalf of TJ Bonnett, 40 and 45 Smith Avenue, right-of-way vacation and variance, with the understanding that the applicant has time to submit a formal plan. TJ Bonnett noted they have agreed to all four conditions and that they are here basically because Staff recommended they pursue a vacation to clean up this situation. Access to the Luce Line is not going to be denied. Bonnett indicated he does not want to come back six or eight times. Ressler stated what it comes down to is avoiding coming back multiple times, which is what tabling would do. The Planning Commission does not have a formal plan at this time so they do not know what exactly they would be approving. Thiesse stated those four items raised by Staff will come up in the denial. If the Planning Commission just recommends denial with no requests, they will not know what the Planning Commission is looking for. Gettman moved, Libby seconded, to amend the motion and to recommend denial of Application No. LA19-000074, William Griffith on behalf of TJ Bonnett, 40 and 45 Smith Avenue, right-of-way vacation and variance, with the understanding that the applicant has time to submit a formal plan incorporating the three conditions outlined in Staff report. Libby stated as an advisory body, he would encourage the applicant to come up with something graphical. Bonnett stated they would have done that for this meeting had they known they needed that. Erickson stated in his view all the points they mentioned could be placed in a motion recommending approval and that he will vote against the motion to deny. Barnhart noted this item would be heard at the November 12 City Council meeting. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 1, Erickson Opposed. 2. LA19-000079 DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES, 580 SANDHILL DRIVE, EASEMENT VACATION AND EASEMENT CREATION, 7:44 P.M. — 7:53 P.M. Stephanie Griffin, David Weekley Homes, was present. Page 8 of 20