10-16-2000 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2000 (#2596 Brenshell Homes, Continued) Steve Behnke, Brenshell Homes, stated they have made the revisions based upon the concerns expressed by the local residents and City Staff. Behnke indicated all the proposed lots in this ^ development exceed the one acre dry buildabic minimum. Behnke stated the revisions created a road 40 feet shorter, which results in less hardcover and less runoff. Additional protections have been given for the vegetation and trees in the area by the granting of conservation easements over those areas. Behnke stated all lots woulu meet the lot width requirement if the road itself was in front of the lots. Behnke noted lot width is measured differently for lots situated on a cul-de-sac. If the cul-de-sac were to be extended further into the development, Behnke noted this would result in all the lots meeting the 140 foot lot width requirement. Behnke commented in his view a shorter road would be more desirable due to the amount of hardcover being reduced. Behnke commented they have taken efforts to respond to the concerns raised by the neighbors, noting they have substantially reduced the amount of water runoff to the southern ravine and by reducing the amount of water runoff from Lots 2 and 3 and improving the water qualit>’. Behnke stated they are in agreement w ith the directional borings being requested by Stiff in this area to allow as little impact as possible to the site, and are in agreement with all six of the conditions listed in the Planner ’s Report. Behnke stated in his opinion all the conditions outlined in the Cit>’ Engineer’s have been complied with or will be prior to final plat approval. Behnke stated it is his understanding the trail would be credited against their park dedication fee to be paid on this development. Kathleen Kasprick, 1067 Linden Lane, commented she was confused why this application was back before the Planning Commission again. Hawn stated generally the City Council will send an application back to the Planning Comm:ssion when there have been revisions made in order to allow the citizens an opportunity to comment on those revisions. Kasprick inquired why variances need to be granted on this project. Kasprick inquired if variances do not need to be granted on this application, why Staff is recommending variances ' for this development. Kasprick stated in their view some of the issues have not been addressed completely, noting they still have concerns regarding the wetlands and water runoff in this area. Kasprick stated they are not opposed to development in this area, but would like to see a development that is done in accordance with Orono’s Ordinances. Hawn indicated the variances arc being recommended to help reduce the amount of hardcover in the area, improve the drainage, and to help protect the ravine. Hawn noted only the City Council has the authority to grant variances. Michelle Wickman, 4735 Tonkaview, presented pictures to the Planning Commission of the area, noting in her view this area best serves the community the way it presently is. Sandy Rasmussen, 1186 Wildhurst Trail, stated the residents in the neighborhood have PAGE 3