03-15-2004 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MM-1974 StMcbty MAriittpUcc jMiury H, M04 PattJoft 1. Comprebensive Plan Amendment The 2000-2020 Orono Community Managemeot Plan (CMP) guides this property for Commercial Office uses, i.e. professional office as well as limited service uses, and retail uses accessory to the office use.” (CMP Part 3B, Page 3B-24). The proposal is not in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan, in that it includes freestanding retail not specifically associated or supportive of an office use on the site. The Walgreens and the officeAretail building would be characterized more accurately as neighborhood retail/setvice uses. The applicant requests an amendment of the CMP that would “allow retail uses in this area whei approved as part of a PUD, based on the finding that amendment would comply with the spirit and intent of the City's Community Management Plan, would allow development of this vacant site, would provide limited retail to serve the neighborhood, and would allow development of the mixed use StoneBay development as originally proposed.** The amendment would apply only to Outlol A of Stonebay. Please review the highlighted areas in Exhibit F, excerpts from the CMP regarding guiding of this area. The City Council has informally reviev^ ed this proposed amendment to the CMP in the context of its impact on development in Long Lake, in full knowledge of Orono ’s stated intent to not take actions which will be counterproductive to Long Lake's efforts in maintaining a vital, viable downtown retail area. Council ’s general conclusion was that the magnitude and types of retail proposed will have minimal impact on Long Lake's ability to move forward with its Downtown Master Plan. If done correctly, the proposed mix of nei^iborfaood service/retail and office can provide the business locations, services and quality emplo>ment opportunities the Orono City Council envisioned for this area in the 2000-2020 CMP. Additional factors which may come into play in terms of this proposed amendment include: - The other three quadranU of this intersection are devoted to retail uses; it is not much of a leap to bring in the remaining quadrant as retail, especially with an office (bank) component. • The Long Lake Downtown Master Plan does not at any location provide for the Walgreens model of a budding set back from the street with parking in front The Long Lake Plan provides for buildings at streetside with parking in the rear. It is highly unlikely that Walgreens would locate in Long Lake's Downtown area. From a staff perspective, Walgreens is an amenity that would be welcomed by the public in this area.