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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Tuesday,February 18,2020 <br /> 6:00 p.m. <br /> Libby stated that the reason he shared his historical perspectives earlier is because of the comments that <br /> the northerly lots did not have lakeshore access. He stated that it is actually quite the contrary, because if <br /> you actually go into the lagoon, with a watercraft,and look at the way the docks are situated,there is not a <br /> depravation of lake shore access to those northerly lots. <br /> Thiesse stated that he cannot get behind separating lots to create substandard lots. He stated that the <br /> Commission could spend all day talking about it because it is a great idea,but it is creating substandard <br /> lots. He stated that he feels the Council will probably say no to this plan. <br /> Libby stated that the 2 front lots are owned by different parties and if they were combined then the front <br /> lot would be conforming so there could be 3 lots. <br /> Mr. Gamble stated that he sees Commissioner Thiesse's point that it becomes nonconforming by drawing <br /> a line through the pond and yet they are more conforming than any of the neighbors. <br /> Thiesse stated that he is not arguing that point,but it is not just up to him or the Commission. <br /> Mr. Gamble stated that he cannot see another way to make this more conforming. He is asking for <br /> guidance from the Commission on what he can do. <br /> Bollis stated that his only suggestion is to try to combine the 2 southern pieces. <br /> Libby asked if these lots were seasonally wet. <br /> Mr. Gamble stated that there was a type of soil that was identified as having sat under water at some <br /> point. He stated that he spoke with the County who put in a culvert that changed the drainage of the <br /> property in the area. He stated that the County told them that it is not their water after it comes out of the <br /> pipe. <br /> Ressler stated that the biggest thing the Commission has regarding feedback is that variances exist for <br /> mitigating reasons. He stated that he wants Mr. Gamble to know that his points have been heard. He <br /> stated that he cannot discourage Mr. Gamble from applying,but historically speaking this type of thing <br /> has been opposed and denied. He stated that this will ultimately be at the discretion of the Council. <br /> Erickson stated that he and Commissioner Thiesse have come to the exact same conclusion for exact <br /> opposite reasons. He stated that he is not concerned about the 2 homes to the south continuing to be 2 <br /> homes to the south. He stated that he is very concerned about the traffic levels on County Road 15 and <br /> creating another access there and agrees with the County transportation department's statement regarding <br /> access. He stated that he thinks the problem with access is why this land has been for sale for so many <br /> years and nobody bought it because people most likely do not want to build a new home on a road that <br /> has 20,000 cars a day driving by. He stated that even if Mr. Gamble could get this approved,he thinks it <br /> would be a property that would be forever discounted and does not feel this is suitable for privately <br /> owned single-family home. He stated that he sees this being more suitable for a multi-family rental or <br /> small office building use but would still need a way to deal with the access issues. <br /> Libby stated that the Hennepin County plan for Shoreline Drive and the intersection at 19 and 15,will <br /> have the right-of-way changed significantly as well as the construction and reorientation of the <br /> Page 24 of 30 <br />