06-17-2002 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINI TES OF THE ORONO PLANMNC; COMMISSION MEETING Monday, April 15,2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. (If02-277l Orono Ambar, Continued) Dunbar pointed out that the eonstruction process is a dirty process, particularly in the spnni* Dunbar indicated they have a scooper scheduled every Friday and a caterpillar out there to grade as much of the dirt away as possible. Dunbar stated in his view once the storm dram system is installed, the site should dry out, whieh will help reduce the amount of dirt on the roadway. Dunbar commented he is concerned that if the residents misunderstood the first phase of this project, they may be misunderstanding this concept as well. Dunbar staled it would be his preference to delay discussion on this matter until he has a chance to talk u ith the residents. Dunbar indicated the office building would be a much higher stOKturc and uould create a larger impact on the neighborhood Dunbar staled he regrets the misunderstandings, but it was his feeling the additional senior housing would be a belter use for this property and be more compatible with the neighborhood. Dunbar indicated he is willing to discuss the issues with the neighbors. Dunbar reiterated he would rather suspend this discussion until he has a chance to speak with the residents and explain the difTcrerKes between the office building and this proposal. Kluth noted the matter before the Planning Commission tonight is the senior housing facility. Hawn noted for the record that the City rccewcd a letter from Richard and livclyn Schommer. 2106 Sucarxvoods. indicating they arc opposed to this project. Hawn noted the City has also reccised the same letter from a number of residents in the Suganvoods neighborhiHx! Kluth commented at the time this project was originally presented to the City, the office building component of the project wtis said to be \ttal to the success of this project, w hich docs not appear to be the situation now, Kluth stated he does have a concern with the height and density being proposed with this second building and that the developer is try ing to recoup his investment by increasing the density on this property. Kluth stated the developer has a number of options he can consider for improving the proposal, such as reducing the height of the building to two stones or relocating the building slightly, Kluth commented the saving of some trees in the back of the building in his view is merely a sugar coating and is not a real attempt to address the concerns of the residents. Berg slated she had concerns at the lime the City was reviewing the plans for phase one of this project, noting she is not pleased with the appearance of the building Berg indicated she understands the developer's comments regarding the ofricc building, but noted that the size of the proposed building is not appropnate for this site. Berg stated the residents of the Sugarwo<xls neighborhood arc being asked to look at a significant building Berg indicated she would never approve that height again. Berg indicated she is adamantly opposed to this proposal and has quite a few concerns relating to the traffic, building si/e. and appearance of the building. Rahn noted he was not on the Planning Commission at the time phase one was discussed, noting that some of the conditions for phase two were placed on phase one. Rahn stated in his view n would be unfair to the local residents to construct a bigger building than what was originally proptiscd. but that he PAGE 19