09-20-1999 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 19,1999 (#2505 The Bancor Group, Inc., Continued) property as a Planned Residential Development The purpose of a PRD is to enhance the appearance of neighborhoods through preservation of natural open spaces and to counteract the effects of urban congestion, A PRD would allow the property to be developed at one unit per acre, with City sewer and water being available to these proposed units. This property could not sustain a rural style development with individual septic systems due to the high water table and soil types present. Weinberger stated that the property to the south may be developed at a slightly higher density, with a two acre density development east of Willow Cirive, a low density residential neighborhood north of County Road 6, and the Orono School Campus to the west. This development would serve as a buffer between the lower density res.dential development to the north and east versus the other land uses to the south and west. The Applicar.is are proposing a plan that would result in the nearest home being located approximately 225 feel from County Road 6. Several berms are being proposed throughout the development, and each lot will be regraded to create walkout style homes. Access to this development would be off of V/illow Drive, with no access off of County Road 6. City Staff recommends that the proposed intersection between the development and Shadowood Drive be aligned, whether it's through the extension of the northerly road or the other curb cut being relocated further north, to eliminate traffic turning left. The access points are proposed to be approximately 200 feel apart. Weinberger stated that standard drainage and utility easements would be required, as well as parkland dedication. Weinberger staled the Applicants could have the option of donating 8 percent of the land value or designating a portion of the development for trails. Weinberger stated that the hookup costs for City sewer and water will need to be discussed further. Weinberger noted that the City Council has established less restrictive zoning standards for other PRDS, including French Creek and Sugarwoods. Lindquist commented that he is hesitant to approve rezoning of this area due to the high density housing that is being proposed. Newman stated that the high density is necessary due to the connection costs for City sewer and water, noting that they have reviewed the costs involved in this project and that in order to offset their expenses, upper market housing will need to be constructed in this area. Lindquist inquired whether th^»v have calculated the average lot size for this development. Newman replied they have not yet made that calculation. Campion staled that they are contemplating lots that average around a half-acre, with the smallest being one-third acre. Stoddard commented that he would like to see a residential development in this area, but that in his view the City Council may wish to retain the tv/o acre zoning. Stoddard stated he Is unaware of the economics involved for this development, but that he personally would like to see larger lots. Newman staled that this is an expensive parcel of property to develop, and that not all the residences will be constructed with walkouts. Page 11