11-25-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, November 12, 2019 6:00 o'clock p.m. Barnhart said currently it is guided for 3-10 units per acre and it was developed at about 5. In the development shown, the guiding range is 20-25 units an acre and comes in at about 22-23 units an acre. Crosby asked whether the guiding was 5. Walsh stated 5 was the amount approved previously. Walsh asked if the applicant had anything to add. Mr. Curt Fretham, Lake West Development, said his company is wrestling with the cleanup portion of what was approved for the high-density component, recognizing that the cleanup on the north portion on the phase being presented is going to be more economical to clean up. They thought it would get their feet wet to find out what there really is for cleanup because there will be some cleanup on the western edge of that proposed building. He is looking for feedback if the Council can support the density change or not. Walsh asked if there was anybody who wanted to talk about the item. Mr. Tony Sarenpa, local resident, stated he is in favor of the higher density proposal, stating why not do a little more if it is already higher density, that it makes sense. Crosby asked why he would be in favor of it. Mr. Sarenpa stated if it is right next door to it, it seems to make sense, rather than break it up. Crosby commented that it is basically replacing what he was proposing earlier. Mr. Sarenpa clarified whether he meant with detached homes. Walsh stated the density where the landfill site is, he is moving it over there. Mr. Sarenpa reiterated that it made sense to him. Barnhart, using a map, stated the applicant is proposing to keep the 20-25 units the same and then indicated the area where the applicant would like to add higher density. Ms. Stacey Royal, 3135 Jamestown Road, said she was against the 244 units; she thought it was a little too much for the area. Now 127 units is being proposed for this, and she thinks that is still a lot. There is not a complex that size in this area. She commented the resident that was talking with the developers beforehand maybe has more information about the development. The townhomes increase it already to 27 units, which could be 3-4 people per unit so that already increases the numbers. She does not think a high- density apartment complex is great for the area, based on the facts there are schools there, the driveway would be right by the main school driveway that's used to get into the activity center, and there are already traffic issues on old Highway 12 and Highway 6 during school hours. She understands density has to be done someplace but does not know if it is the best place because it is by the schools. Walsh noted the Council went through a lot of thoughtful discussion on how to zone and guide the area and feels the density along that corridor was a very nice development and it was kind of an afterthought when the Council said, Where the dump site is, if you can figure that out, you can put some extra density Page 13 of 17