1997 - Zoning File 2293 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 19, 1997 - (#17 -#2240 Jim Waters -Continued) - Another issue is the length of the road system. There would be one way in to the homes with no additional way out creating a possible public safety issue with the cul-de-sac and Wildhurst greatly exceeding the 1000'limit. There is a possibility for a connection to West Branch, though it is not the applicant's intention. If this connection is not permanent, it possibly could be used by emergency vehicles. There are also topography issues to consider. Lindquist questioned why the need for a long driveway with parallel roads. Gaffron said it was due to the steepness of the property. Waters indicated that he and residents would not desire front walk-outs. A change would require retaining walls and loss of trees. Aesthetically, this proposal would give the impression of traveling down a country lane as the homes to the south would not be viewed until you swing southward. It would also give the impression of two acre zoning according to Waters. Lindquist asked for comments regarding a road to West Branch. Waters referred to drawing C-2. This option shows a development not requiring rezoning. While it proposes the development accessing through Garden Lane or Highview, it does not address the issue of the passive park and low traffic. Waters says drawing C-1 addresses these issues while maintaining the country feel of the property. He noted that Wildhurst access would increase the length of the cul-de-sac by 1800'. Waters said an approach from West Branch would be satisfactory if a lot is not lost. He indicated he would provide an easement. If service vehicles are an issue, Waters said it would probably require a hard road surface. Waters said it could become a service lane only. A gravel road could be used down Garden Lane to serve the Hennessey lot. Lindquist noted the problem with both one acre and two acre zoning. He felt establishing all one acre zoning might not be accepted by the neighbors. Gaffron indicated the re- zoning would change the number of lots by only one lot. He indicated the zoning change would be sewer driven, not neighborhood driven_ Gaffron said it was his opinion that the property is undevelopable with septic systems as there are limited sites. He feels it is logical and reasonable to bring this property into the MUSA and not change the zoning. McMillan said she would consider possibly exchanging lots but did not feel it would be a good policy to do as suggested. She inquired what the gain would be. Gaffron said the gain would be the ability to develop the property. He noted lots 12-17 (Van Sloun and Morgart properties)without sewer are not buildable. If changed to sewered lots, there would be 4-5 lots on the Soliner property,possibly two on the Van Sloane property, 2-3 on the Morgart property, with three additional lots to the east. Schroeder noted that this assumes the Met Council will a fee with changing the MUSA line. 25