11-19-1990 Planning Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1990 ZONING FILE #1603-JACOBS CONTINUED said, "Ic is necessary to approve Variances because your code doss not address accessory structures for an estate of this magnitude. However, Maureen raised another issue, which is the aesthetic characteristic of the greenhouse structure. Is that an issue that must be addressed in order for the Planning Commission to give a positive recommendation?" Bellows replied, "That issue is important to me." Hanson replied, "If a greenhouse of this design were going to bo constructed on a five-acre parcel, I would feel more strongly about aesthetics." Ms. Quinby said, "You may look at the aesthetic nature of the greenhouse. However, the flowers that will be grown in the greenhouse will supply the 6300 square feot of flower beds on the property. That aesthectically enhances the property. I can understand why Mr. Jacobs would prefer to grow all those flowers on site." Cohen said, "I would still like to see the properties combined prior to giving a recommendation. I would like to see a layout of the entire parcel showing where the accessory structures are located. Density is not an issue if the buildings are spread out. However, if they are located fairly closa together, that is entirely different. I cannot determine that by looking at the information presented this everting." Hanson said, "I would feel comfortable acting on this, I i^ould vote positively, contingent on the properties being J.egally combined." Johnson concurred with Hanson. Kelley askad what unique hardships could be cited to avoid the possibility of setting a precedent. He said, "We are considering approval of a Variance to an ordinance that we just passed. Where do wo draw the line as to what constitutes an estate?" Johnson said, "In my opinion, the size of this parcel, which is located ia a two-acre zoning district, is a unique characteristic." Ms. Quinby said, "It is my opinion that the two full time caretakers that are housed on the property constitute a unique characteristic. It is unlikely that someone with a five-acre parcel would have tv,o full-ti;.ie caretakers. Also, if this application is d»jlayed, it will not be possible to use the greenhouse until next year. That is why we are trying to get this approved at this time." - 11 -