03-16-2003 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, May 19,2003 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#3 #03-2869 DR. ROBERT GUMMT, Continued) Chair Smith reminded the applicants that a previous use docs not necessarily guarantee them the ability to return to that original use since some time had passed and new slate statutes had come into play. Dr. Gumnit rcii-v^cd what he felt to be their hardship, which was the inability for them to access or use 1.8 acres of their property. He stated that, legally, they did have the right to place a fence on the island near the top; however, they wished to make use of a less obtrusive low visibility wire fence near the lower portion of the island which would hardly be noticeable. He pointed out that, if the island were viewed as adjacent to a wetland versus the lake, he would be allowed to place the fence 26’ versus 150’ from the ‘shoreline'. Having lived on this parcel for 15 years. Mrs. Graham noted that much has changed in Orono over the years; where once you commonly saw horses from the road, now you don t She stated ihal they have an extensive set of woods on their property n ar the road, which she felt would be absurd to destroy to keep the horses on an intermittent basis. As environmentally conscious individuals, she pointed cut that, at any rale, they should be allowed access to 25% of their dry land property and to maintain it. Commissioner Hannaford arrived at 6:30 P.M, horT^^s^””^^ ® shelter on the island might fit into the picture for the Graham stated that, technically, they could build a ga/ebo on top of the knoll. Bremer encouraged the Commission to considLr the application as two separate items. Dr. Guninit reiterated that they wish to have safe access to the island to maintain it and separately, would like to be allowed to put up a w ire fence to keep their horses occasionally. Gaffron c®"curTcd that, legally, the applicants do have the right to build something if they meet the 150* setbacks. There were no public comments. ofAe iKi^boI^*^* supported the application, indicating that it maintained the rural feel PAGE 4 of 39