08-16-2021 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday,July 19,2021 6:00 o'clock p.m. Bollis asked if there are any current conditions on access number 14,the one they are looking at vacating, such as winter access,no motorized vehicles,etcetera. Barnhart stated that access is noted as pedestrian access in the current Comprehensive Plan. Ressler asked if that portion of the property is currently being used as pedestrian access. Barnhart said used is a strong term, it is pretty overgrown and he showed some pictures of the access point with large cattails growing. He noted it is not likely that it would be a summer access without significant improvements; he imagines it may be a winter access in the future or perhaps even now. It is not restricted based on the Comprehensive Plan. Gettman asked if a pedestrian access would potentially change the DNR's position. Barnhart replied the DNR provides comment and recommendation but not a lot of weight. The access for pedestrians would support their goals for lake access for the State. Bollis asked what width they are suggesting for this easement. Barnhart said probably similar to the easement necessary for the sanitary sewer;the goal is not to restrict development for the property owners on either side but to maintain access so 20 feet is likely. Bob Erickson,365 Westlake Street,read a letter he sent out to his neighbors: To our neighbors: Thank you for this opportunity to share with you our vision for Westlake Street improvement that we believe will improve vehicle function and home values in our neighborhood Our long-term plan began to take shape in 1999 when we applied for a rearrangement of the two parcels we had purchased at 365 and 372 Westlake so that the unequally-sized lots could be made more equal in area in lakeshore measurements.As part of that process, we donated a half-circle of land on the east side of Westlake Street for a future cul-de-sac.At the same time, the City Council voted to close the part of the street south of the cul-de-sac to all motorized vehicles.Later, we acquired the house at 365 Westlake Street and two smaller houses which were demolished about a year-and-a-half ago. Now the time has come for us to plan for the cul-de-sac completion by applying for vacation of the south 140 feet of Westlake Street and combining that area with the 365 Westlake property for which we will pay$100,000. In addition, we will donate a new half-circle of land on the west side of the street to complete the area needed for the cul-de-sac. We will also donate easements over the vacated land to the City for drainage and sanitary sewer maintenance. In view of the recently announced addition of Westlake Street to the list of streets to be improved during 2022, we are also willing to add a 10x150 foot donation of land at 341 Westlake Street as a boulevard reserve. The original plat for Westlake Street was approved over 100 years ago when most of its traffic was made up of small horse-drawn carriages, the 30 foot right-of-way width was adequate at the time, and firefighters would put hoses into the lake to put out fires. For many years now the Fire Departments have used tank trucks when needed and all types of vehicles have grown in size. That is why a new neighborhood subdivision requires 50 feet of street right-of-way and a 50 foot radius for a cul-de-sac. When complete, the new cul-de-sac will make Westlake Street look and function much like a newer neighborhood Take a quick spin around the Landmark Drive and Eileen Circle cul- de-sacs to compare how modern vehicles can be accommodated. Delivery trucks, garbage trucks, lawn services, and utility workers all have a much easier time getting in and out of those neighborhoods. Ifyou have questions, we are here to answer them in person or by phone. Signed, Bob and Lisa Erickson. Page 2 of 18