08-12-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, July 15,2002 6:30 o’clock p.m. Johnston stated that in order to cut down on the complaints, a disclosure statement could be provided for renters of the lofts stating that they are aware they are near public works. These end units would also be subject to thicker walls and triple glazing to reduce disturbance. Fritzler suggested placing the stairways or offices at the end near public works versus rental units. Krall agreed that would be done to the extent possible. Gaffron noted that the Commission hadn’t discussed separation yet. Mabusth asked for Planning Consultant Case’s opinion. Case stated that while 10’ setback or separation is not unusual in a village context, the Conunission needs to realize that they have 2 1/2 story buildings approximately 28’ tall with a separation of 10’. In the revised plan most buildings are flat side to flat side, but it can depend on the architecture. As one walks by a ten foot setback can feel like a significant setback, but from a roadway, the setback can look altogether different. Krall added that landscaping can also effect that dramatically. Johnston pointed out that, in reality, most of the setbacks are IS’. Based on how some of the buildings are angled, Johnston noted that at one end there might be IS’ separation, while there is a separation of 22’ or more at the other. He indicated that they arc looking for the flexibility to go down to 10’, otherwise the comers can get tight, and other ends with setbacks of 60’. Krall observed that, in their experience, the side yards are not used extensively. They provide nice separation and greenspacc but for the most part people don’t use those narrow yards but they do provide screening from the next unit over. For the sake of trying to w rap up the discussion for the evening, Johnston stated that, on a plan, they will provide the Commission with what the proposed exact separations are for consideration during their next discussion. Case asked if any circulation would be provided from the parking side to the other. Krall stated that there will be wider spaces provided to access the front and back. As a result of the last discussion, they added those areas. Smith stated that they had covered many items, including proposed housing and how it relates to the RPUD, they touched on Kelley Parkway and transportation, and access in and out as it relates to paildng. Many items they had not covered need to be discussed and she asked Gaffion if there was anything that should be covered yet that evening to provide direction to the applicant. PAGE 24 of 35