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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD AUGUST 20, 1990 <br />#1560 JOHN AND ROBERTA HENRICH <br />4125 HIGHWOOD ROAD <br />CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT <br />CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING 8:07 P.M. TO 8:20 P.M. <br />Mr. and Mrs. Henrich v;ere present. <br />Gaffron stated that at the last Planning Commission review, <br />the City Engineer had requested additional information. He said, <br />"The City 'Tngineer has been to the site to evaluate the Henrich's <br />proposal." Gaffron summarized the information in his memo dated <br />August 17, 1990. regarding the City Engineer's recommendation. <br />He stated that, as with the Downey application, the Engineer <br />believes the retaining walls proposed are excessive. <br />Bellows said, "I had a discussion v;ith Mrs. Henrich <br />regarding the condition of the existing stone wall. The v/all is <br />an eye sore and because of its location, screening is not <br />possible. There are several pieces of stone projecting from the <br />wall which pose a safety hazard." <br />Mr. Henrich replied, "There were comments at the last review <br />about screening the wall and the walls appearing in a hodge­ <br />podge manner. We are trying to improve the appearance of the <br />property. VJe intend to remove the red rock and will try to make <br />the view from the lake aesthetically pleasing. It is nearly <br />impossible to do anything about the stone wall. It provides <br />stability for the hill and actually is preventing the entire <br />house from shifting." <br />Bellows and Hanson indicated that they too agreed with the <br />City Engineer's comments regarding the excessive nature of the <br />proposed retaining walls. <br />Johnson asked whether the Hsnrichs intended to remove rock <br />and plastic in the area of the proposed wall to reduce hardcover <br />percentages. <br />Mrs. Henrich replied, "Even with the rock and plastic, the <br />hostas that are planted used to be located nearer to the steps. <br />They have moved approximately a one and a half feet from that <br />location. If we remove the rock and plastic, we believe that <br />erosion in that area would be as bad as it is on the east side <br />beyond the stairway." <br />Johnson stated that he too believes that what the Hsnrichs <br />have presented will not solve their problems. <br />Bellows asked the Henrichs whether they would prefer to have <br />this matter tabled or action taken this evening. She said, "You <br />have heard that three of us do not agree with what you are <br />proposing." <br />- 9 -