06-17-2002 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINI TES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETLNG Monday, April 15,2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. (tf02*2771 OroDo Ambar, Continued) is his belief another market analysis will be done with the second phase. GafTron indicated there are two other parcels within the City that could be used for senior housing. Mabusth staled she does also have a concern with the intersection and the amount of traffic that is being added to this area. Mabusth stated in her view a semaphore is needed at this intersection GafTron slated it is the desire that a semaphore be installed at that intersection by the time the first senior housing building opens this fall. Gaffron indicated Staff is currently working with Ma'DOT on this issue, with Ma/DOT’s position being that this intersection does not ha\e sufficient warrants to justify a stoplight at this site. GafTron stated the need for a stoplight is based on the traffic count. Hawn commented in her view the people are not op|v*,sed to the use but rather the height and mass of the building. Dunbar stated he does have a concern that there appears to be a misunderstanding concerning the first senior housing building and the proposed office building. Dunbar stated they have complied w ith the requirements of the City and are building the first building in conformance w ith the approved plans and specifications. Dunbar commented it was his belief that the residents would prefer a second senior housing building rather than an office building. Dunbar stated he would like an opportunity to speak w ith the residents regarding this project. Dunbar stated he would like to table his application Hawn stated it is her belief the residents have a coiKcm with the length and height of the building that would face their neighborhood. Berg commented this type of build.ng is large for this area and perhaps would be better suited clsew here, especuilly in light of phase one. Hawn inquired how many people from Orono have leased space in the new building Dunbar stated he is not aware of the e.xact numbers but a large number of them are parents of people who live in Orono. Dunbar slated there also is a large number from the City of long Lake. Hawn recommended the developer consider having a three-dimensional model of the project. Dunbar stated he would be interested in doing that, particularly to demonstrate the differences between the ofilce building project and the additional senior housing project Kluth commented the developer at the time he was requesting approval of the office building concept portrayed the office building in a very positive light, but now appears to be putting the office building in a more negative light in order to gam approval fur the senior housing projeef. Dunbar indicated he did speak with the residents rather candidly regarding the lights and the impact that the office building would have on the area. Dunbar stated he is w illmg to lable this matter and is also agreeable to meeting with the residents. PAGE 21