11-15-2004 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MnstTESOF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Moiday, October IS, 2004 6:00 o’clock p.in. (404.3063 WJM Properties, Cootimed) Johnson noted the lumen study shows that the amount of lumens on the ground with 1000-watt fixtures drops to below .2 in almost es'cry case with the dovsneast lighting versus the outcast lighting. Johnson mdicated in essence what that means is that the outer edges of the parking lot now have a lot of shadows and very little light. Johnson stated their conditional use permit allows for 250 new vehicles to be stored in the parking lot and their insurance company has expressed a concern that the site should be better lit to protect the srhicles on the lot and the personnel that would be on site after the sun has set, particularly in the w'lntertime. Johnson slated the lighting that is being proposed is situated between the buildmg and a seven-acre drainage pond and the golf dome on the other side. Johnson stated in his opinion the additional lighting would not affect other property owners in the area. Johnson indicated he is willing to provide a letter from the insurance company concerning the lighting. Johnson stated they also explored the possibility of instaiii.ig more fixtures at a lower elevation, but concluded that there would be too many interruptions in traffic flow and more obstaclc.s for cars to avoid as they drive around the parking lot. Johnson slated the 25’ poles in his opinion is a good compromise to achiev*e the additional lighting as w ell as reduce the number of obstacles in the parking lot Itself. Johnson pointed out the approved lightmg is located along the second row of parking away from the building and that the new lighting is situated between that lighting and the building and not along the perimeter of the lot. Rahn inquired whether there were any public comments relating to this application There were no public comments. Rahn noted car dealerships arc not allowed in Orono. and that his greatest concern w ith this application is that it started out as a conditional use pemtit and that the lighting has increased from four to 12. Rahn stated he docs not want this property to slow ly turn into a car dealership. Rahn stated if the lighting is shielded, the lighting might be a non-issue. Johnson stated the berm has been constructed, w ith the existing trees between the highway and the parking lot being presers’cd. Johnson staled a five-foot high opaque fence has also been added Rahn inquired whether the change in lighting is being driven by the insurance company. Johnson stated it is driven by the concern for the property that will remain in the lot all night and the personnel that will be on the site. Bremer suggested the list of items outlined on page three be gone through by the applicant. PAGE 31