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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, July 15,2002 <br />6:30 o ’clock p.m. <br />Krall added that 3-story loft buildings were proposed because elevators will be added, and are <br />costly. After examining the area, Krall stated that neither of the proposed 3-story loft buildings <br />will be as high as the new senior building being built down the way. She added that the <br />applicant does not want something obtrusive either, in fact, since they are mixing style, they <br />propose the steps up in scale are very gradual. They have proposed continuity in their design, and <br />have deliberately stuck to virtually the same widths throughout. Krall maintained that the lofts <br />give people options and answer a genuine need in Orono in keeping with a high amenity design. <br />Rahn asked why the townhomes start 1/2 story off the ground. <br />Krall stated that the townhomes are designed to be accessed by steps, unlike the loft homes, <br />which need to be kept at or near grade. <br />Rahn asked if the three storied start at grade. <br />Krall indicated that the underground parking allows lliem to start at or just off grade. <br />Smith inquired about possibly tilting the loft buildings slightly. <br />Krall stated that, currently, the proposal places the driveway to the underground parking at the <br />end near public works in order to avoid giving residents views of public works. The applicant <br />would prefer to avoid that scenario and use a wall or fence with landscaping to further shield the <br />facility. <br />Johnston stated that, from an engineering standpoint, the townhomes are designed to sit up <br />slightly so that people sitting on their porch are at eye level with those walking by. <br />Rahn asked about the intended parking for the townhomes. <br />Jolinston stated that the applicant would like to see parallel parking on Kelley Park\vay, which <br />would allow 28’ plus parking. <br />Rahn inquired whether the street width could be expanded without undue burden. <br />Johnston asked if it was truly necessary to widen the streets at the loss of greenspace. <br />Krall roted that if the streets were much wider, you would encourage people to cut around each <br />other. <br />Johrston stated that they have tried to conserve as much green space as possible. <br />Krall asked if a compromise of 21’ to 22’ would be possible, noting that 28’ or more would be <br />difticult. <br />PAGE 21 of 35