10-16-2000 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2000 (^2596 Brenshell Homes, Continued) Hawn commented it was also her understanding the shortening of the cul-de-sac helped to lessen the amount of grading that would be involved with this development. Stokes stated these lots are double fronting lots, with frontage along both Wildhurst and Tonkaview. Gronberg commented that there typically just has to be frontage along a public street. Gaffiron stated the City of Orono routinely grants variances to lot width for lots situated on a cul-de-sac in the one and two acre zones. Gaffron stated these lots do have substantial width in which homes can be constructed that will meet the required setbacks. Rasmussen inquired whether trees will be removed, and if so, how many. Rasmussen also inquired whether visibility would change from the road would change with the removal of the trees. Weinberger stated StafFhas viewed the site, but at this time are not aware how many trees would need to be removed. Weinberger noted a conservation easement w ill be placed over the most sensitive areas in order to protect the natural environment, with plantings being required in areas where erosion is likely to occur. Weinberger stated there will be tree planting once the grading is completed along the roadway, with vegetation being restored on the building sites. Kluth commented in his view the developer could proceed fonvard without a lot width variance but that the developer is working with the City in an effort to reduce the environment impact on this area. Kluth stated he is in support of the project. Lindquist stated he also is in support of the project. Hawn commented in her view the developer has worked quite hard with the City in order to minimize the environmental impact to this area as well as to comply with the City ’s regulations Hawn noted the developers have addressed all of tne concerns raised by the City Engineer, and in her view will be able to meet any concerns the Watershed District may have. Smith stated in her view she would like to see Lots 2 and 3 combined, noting that is a decision that would be up to the developer. Smith commented she feels the developer is addressing the concerns. Smith stated in her view she is unsure whether tabling this application would allow improvement over this plan. Stoddard stated the developer has submitted a better plan tonight for their consideration, noting that they have received some new information that he would like to review in more detail. Stoddard commented the Saga Hill area is a vcr> unique area and needs to be dealt with carefully. Stoddard stated he would be in favor combining Lots 2 and 3 and would move to table this application in order to review the information more closely. Nygard inquired what the worse case scenario would be if houses were built on Lots 2 and 3 w ithout the variances and w hether a drivew ay off of Wildhurst would be feasible. PAGE 8 I