03-24-2009 Council Work Session Packet

Home Browse Search

� i The assessment of the aesthetic and ecological features of potential development sites served as the initial step in applying Conservation Design techniques to areas in the City of Orono. Phase III-Development Concepts In the third phase of the Rural Oasis Project, Conservation Design strategies were applied to the candidate development sites in order to propose new and infill development that would protect the resources assessed in Phase II of the project. The sites and considerations mentioned below are further discussed under Development Concepts. Third Meetin�, February 10, 2005: The city council, planning commission and staff attended another workshop facilitated by the consultants. The focus of this workshop was on the development concepts prepared for the 3 pilot sites (See Figure 2) and covered the following topics: • A review of the project process and purpose. • A discussion and review of what was shared at the previous meeting. • An aesthetic/ecological analysis of each pilot site, considering the following items: o Ecological "off-limits" areas o Ecological opportunities o Ecological possibilities o Major connections o Locallandmarks o Existing land uses o Site edge character o Key view o Critical issues and developable areas • Presentation and discussion of concept development plans for each pilot site. • A brief discussion of the comprehensive plan, zoning code, and subdivision ordinance, and how findings from the Rural Oasis Project can be incorporated into them. This phase both summarized and applied the intentions of the Rural Oasis Project, allowing for the implementation of the aesthetic and ecological approach to future development in Orono. Phase IV-Implementation and Design Standards The first three phases of the Rural Oasis process indicate that the City of Orono can ensure the protection of its rural character and environmental health through Conservation Design strategies. To do so, the project's objectives must be officially incorporated into adopted city policy, and be implemented through the adoption and enforcement of appropriate ordinances. Implementation Workshop, Februarv 24, 2005: The consultants met with City Administrator Ron Moorse and Planning Director Mike Gaffron to discuss alternative ways to implement the study. The ways in which these approaches would affect the city's plans and ordinances were reviewed and evaluated. City of Orono DSU, Inc Draft CPA 5 August, 2005