Work Session 12-7-2000 - Council & PC

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4. - November 28,2000 Mike Gaffron, Senior Planning Coordinator City of Orono PO Box 66 Crystal Bay,MN 55323 Dear Mr. Gaffron, We are writing this letter on behalf of the undersigned residents of Sugar Woods and, we believe, in the best interest of the Orono community at large. Currently there is a proposal to develop the area known as OutLot A of Sugar Woods. This area represents approximately 6.7 acres and is located directly south of the residential portion of Sugar Woods. We are concerned about several aspects of this proposal. Our concerns include the following: 1. The proposed development consists of 70 living units in an area of approximately 4 acres. This density of 17.5 units per acre is not presently permitted anywhere in Orono. We believe that a density of this magnitude is contrary to the profile of the community and is incompatible with the environment that drew the residents of Orono to our city. 2. The proposed development would be three stories high above ground and have an average height of over 40 feet. This is not allowed anywhere in Orono. In addition, because of the topography of the site,the first floor would be over 25 feet above the grade of Highway 12. This would give the structure the appearance of being 6 stories tall. Homeowners purchased property on the south side of Sugar Woods with the understanding that the property behind them was zoned according to the 30 feet height restriction permitted for B1 retail commercial development. 3. We believe that, if approved,the development would be precedent setting for the area and would serve to promote other high rise development on the South side of highway 12 in Long Lake. 4. We do not believe that the review of this project can or should proceed without a concurrent general revision of the Orono zoning ordinances. Thus, any variances for this project could have the effect of calling into question the zoning ordinances for the entire area.