03-20-2000 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15,1999 (#2522 Th« Bancor Group, Continued) development. Cox commented that there is a tremendous water problem in this area, which will need to be addressed carefully. Stoddard noted the drainage plan has been reviewed by the City Engineer, with certain issues needing to be addressed prior to the time of final plat approval. Stoddard commented that the traffic situation and water runoff will need to be reviewed further, but that the main issue before the Planning Commission at this time is whether this development should be PRD'd, which allows some flexibility in the density for the area. Stoddard stated that the Planning Commission will need to determine whether the number of units being proposed for this development are appropriate, with the rest of the issues being addressed at a later stage. Newmann commented that the outside area of the development wilt also be treated as a conservation outlet. Kluth commented that this is a unique piece of land with a large number of wetlands and that the developer has done a good Job of addressing the concerns relating to density by reducing the overall density to 25 units. Kluth stated that the other issues will need to be further defined before final approval. Lindquist stated he understands the concerns of the residents, especially as it relates to traffic in the area. Lindquist stated in his view this property should be developed as a PRO, noting that he is in favor of the proposed plan. Hawn commented that the developer has done a good job of addressing the concerns raised at the previous meetings. Hawn raised a concern regarding the use of private wells in this area due to the high water table, and encouraged The Bancor Group to re-examine the possibility of utilizing City water for this development. Hawn stated the City of Orono needs to agree on the best way to develop this property, and in her view, a PRD is the best way to go for this parcel. Hawn encouraged City Staff to continue to work on this application to address the concerns relating to traffic and drainage. Weinberger stated one of the concerns regarding use of Kelly Parkway is it is intended for office/commercial use and multi-family in the future. Weinberger pointed out the Comprehensive Plan does not identify residential traffic utilizing Kelly Parkway. Chair Hawn pointed out with approximately 51 acres of dry buildable, under a PRD the developer has meet the density requirements for this area. Smith commented there are a number of issues that still need to be addressed further, but the Planning Commission needs to determine whether a PRD is appropriate for this area. Smith expressed a concern that the wetlands may not be sufficient to handle the runoff, which will need to be reviewed further. Smith commented that this parcel does lend itself to a PRD due to the other developments in the area. Nygard commented in his view The Bancor Group has done a good job of developing an acceptable plan for this area. Stoddard commented he is in favor of residential for this area. Page 14