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NHNUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />AUGUST 21,2000 <br />Weinberger stated a utility easement is located to the north of the building limiting the ability to <br />expand the building out into the parking lot and an open space easement is located over the south <br />100 feet of the property. The open space area has been regarded to accommodate stormwater <br />flows. Any addition to the rear of the building would negatively impact the ability for the site to <br />handle and treat stormwater runoff. <br />Weinberger stated this property has also lost over 8,000 square feet of parking area due to <br />Hennepin County ’s 1988 reconstruction of the County Road 15 and County Road 19 intersection. <br />with the City granting variances to accommodate a 0 foot setback for the existing parking lot. <br />City Staff is recommending approval of the application based on the hardships listed in the <br />Planner’s Report. <br />Bloomquist noted the City did accept a larger building in 1998 than what is currently being <br />proposed. Bloomquist stated he is not changing any of the green space and has attempted to <br />continue to improve the appearance of the property over the years. Bloomquist s^ted he wishes to <br />update the exterior of the building in order to enhance the city. <br />Bloomquist stated due to the reconstruction of the intersection in that area, traffic flow in his <br />opinion has been greatly improved. <br />Hawn inquired whether a couple of the parking spaces adjacent to County Road 15 could be <br />turned into green space. <br />Bloomquist stated he understands what Hawn is asking, noting he is requesting a variance to the <br />parking. Bloomquist expressed doubts about whether trees could be planted in that area due to <br />the impact on sight lines for travelers on County Road 15. Bloomquist noted he has had problems <br />in the past with sight lines in that area and is intending to construct planter boxes in a portion of <br />the green space. <br />John Kupfer, 2503 Kelly Avenue, commented the Applicant has continually upgrade this property <br />PAGE 28