02-18-2020 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, February 18, 2020 6:00 p.m. Ressler stated that is a very good idea. Thiesse stated that it may also require tweaking the lot line between Lots 1 and 2. Ressler asked for Commission feedback regarding the buildable area for Lot 3. He stated that they have already touched on this point and believes it is worth doing a cost -benefit analysis on the possibility of relocating or vacating the sanitary sewer easement. He stated that as it is presented, he doesn't see a better way for it to put it. Erickson stated that he had no concerns. Ressler stated that the next point is whether the Commission has concerns with the lot width. He stated that he does not have any concerns and thinks they are all good-sized lots and are best used with what is available. The Commission had no concerns about lot width. Ressler stated that he is always for ways to hook up with City water and sewer for environmental reasons, so if there is a way to do that, he thinks it would be great. He asked if the Commission had any other useful feedback for the applicant. There was no additional feedback for the applicant. Commissioner Gettman left the meeting at 9:01 p.m. Chair Ressler recessed the meeting at 9:01 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:06. Chair Ressler noted that there is a member of the audience that would like a chance to offer public comment on the previous agenda item. Jaime Lowe, 105 Orono Orchard Road, stated that his home is adjacent to Lot 1. He stated that they have heard nothing about this project so they have significant concerns. He stated that Mr. Quinlivan built the carriage house on their lot and appears to have discovered the opportunity to develop this area of the City. He stated that he appreciates the recommendation from the Commission that Mr. Quinlivan pursue sanitary sewer and water rather than septic because that has been an ongoing long conversation in this area. He stated that they went through a major remodel of their home and construction of the carriage house and even though the City sewer is directly across the street, they were denied that permit. He stated that the boundary is an odd shaped lot so Lot 1 would significantly impact them. He stated that when they bought the property, they knew the land had been gifted to the YMCA and would eventually be developed over a period of time. He stated that they had no problem with that and they did ask that there be intense cooperation with the builder and the local neighbors. He stated that he hopes that there would be a spirit of how the boundaries are formed, proper tree planting, and noise mitigation during construction. He reiterated that this project will have a significant impact on his property. He asked the Commission to do what they can to ensure that the builder is a good partner, cooperative, thoughtful and remember that it is their home and that they have invested a significant amount of money in it to enhance its livability and the City of Orono. Page 20 of 30