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i. <br />TO: <br />FROM; <br />Planning Commission and Council <br />Jeanne Mabusth, Zoning Administrator <br />#576 <br />DATE:August 13, 1980 <br />SUBJECT;#576 Robert & Joanne Mortenson, 3280 Watertown Road <br />CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT <br />The applicants have submitted a revised site plan showing the full <br />extent of the greenhouse operation. The greenhouse will measure <br />105* X 48* with a future service and office area measuring 30* X 35* <br />The turnaround area is sufficient to serve the U.P.S. or U.S. Mail <br />trucks that will service the operation. Overflow parking demands <br />can be satisfied by the grassed area specified on site plan. <br />I have enclosed the section of the Comprehensive Plan that deals <br />with approved non-residential development in the rural areas of <br />Orono. A review of the land use section of the Comprehensive Plan <br />may be beneficial when considering this application. <br />Chief Kilbo's response concerning traffic hazards in subject area: <br />Kilbo states no matter what limits are set on the commercial activities <br />on the site, there will be an increase in vehicular traffic and <br />recommends the access be relocated. An eastern location would allow <br />a few more seconds for a car to react coming from the west, but the <br />downgrade of Watertown at that location still creates hazardous <br />conditions in bad weather. He prefers an access on western edge based on <br />the improvement bf sight distance and level grade. The new location <br />would still be visible at the High Lane intersection. Kilbo is not <br />aware of any accidents along Watertown in that section except for <br />those involved at High Lane caused by not observing the stop sign. <br />There have been accidents further west on Watertown on the western <br />edge of subject curve in a downgrade situation. <br />The new access will be subject to review by the Public Works Coordinator. <br />Staff recommendation: To approve a conditional use permit for limited <br />commercial greenhouse operation at 3280 Watertown Road based on the <br />following findings: <br />1. Sufficient area of 6.7 acres. <br />2. Expanded hobby use - not full-time employment. <br />3. Compatible use for rural residential Orono in keeping with the <br />intent of the Comprehensive Plan emd the Zoning Code. <br />4. No additional burden on existing septic system with greenhouse use. <br />and subject to the following conditions: <br />1. All improvements involving greenhouse operation limited to site <br />plan submitted with #576 conditional use permit application <br />dated July 28, 1980.