02-18-2020 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, February 18, 2020 6:00 p.m. voting or discussion, but stood at the podium and offered his input from a resident perspective. He stated that he found that the relationship with the builder was a key element in how well the project went. He stated that the City records are all transparent and are considered public record and residents are welcome to come in and review the documents. He encouraged Mr. Lowe to try to find some common ground with the builder because that will be key to whether this project goes well or not. He noted that the Commission and City Council really won't be able to do anything outside of the things already outlined by Commissioner Thiesse. Mr. Lowe thanked Commissioner Libby for his comments. He stated that he wanted to recognize and thank Mr. Barnhart for his outstanding service and work as a liaison on this matter and thanked the Commission for their time and attention. 8. LA20-000009, DON GAMBLE, 2480 CARMAN STREET, SKETCH PLAN, 9:18 P.M. — 9:53 P.M. Don Gamble, Property Owner, was present. Staff presented a summary of packet information. Ressler asked when the last time the City was able to do a subdivision with an inferior lot size requirement. Barnhart stated that he cannot remember one especially along the lake. He stated that he believes there may be one on Leaf Street but does not think the Council has done one in the 5 years he has been with the City. Ressler asked about the total combined lot size for these two lots. Barnhart stated that the size would be a little over 3 acres and on the surface, it looks like there should be able to be 4 lots however, the inlet is at a bad spot. Thiesse stated that would just mean the north lots would not have Lakeshore access. Ressler stated that is the point he was trying to get at. Barnhart stated the land areas are not contiguous, which raises some challenges. Libby stated that he has a fairly long history and knowledge of this property. He noted that there was a historic fire station where the townhomes are now located. He stated that he and his wife looked at this lagoon as an attractive alternative to being located on the main part of the lake. He stated that for a very long time, these parcels, because they are intersected by the access to the lake and the lagoon is that they have been historically perceived as 3 separate entire parcels. He stated that because there is a body in between the two free standing lots separated from the front lake shore lots, he believes there is a logic that cannot be denied about how these things have been geographically laid out by Mother Nature. He noted that this is a sketch plan and discussion of the feasibility of what the applicant is trying to do. He reiterated that this has historically been portrayed as 2 different parcels including the larger rectangular and the one on the south side of the lagoon that abuts Lake Minnetonka. Page 22 of 30