11-08-1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 16,1998 (#2395 Brent Bentrott, continued) did not understand what exactly was being proposed, and they were advised that they needed to have an independent person review the plan on their behalf. Bentrott commented he has been speaking with the Palms about this project, noting that they have endorsed this project in the past. Van Zomeren stated that one issue is the fact that the curb cut and driveway does not meet City standards, and that the Public Service Director would not approve it as proposed. Schroeder commented he was not sure that the driveway could be designed to meet the appropriate standards. Chair Smith remarked she does not see many options available to the Applicant regarding his driveway. Bentrott stated that Gronberg has reviewed his property and suggested that the garage could be • located three to four feet higher, which would require more fill and retaining walls. Van Zomeren commented that the City Engineer has not reviewed that option. Lindquist stated in his opinion that option will not be acceptable either. Bentrott stated he has taken photographs of the surrounding neighborhood depicting their driveways, noting that two of the existing driveways have steeper grades than what is being proposed here. Chair Smith commented she was unsure what the Applicant was referring to, noting that the Planning Commission can only address what is before them with this application. Schroeder commented this is a hard lot to work with, but would not look favorably on a vacation of Bluff Street. Bentrott stated there is history that the City has vacated unopened, platted streets previously. Van Zomeren remarked that the vacation the Applicant is referring to occurred in the 1960s. Lindquist stated the Applicant can request the City Council to vacate Bluff Street. Chair Smith commented even if Bluff Street is vacated, there still are some drainage issues that would need to be addressed. Smith stated the Planning Commission is merely an advisory body to the City Council and they may choose to go a different route. Schroeder suggested the Planning Commission vote on this revised plan, noting that the only way this proposal will v/ork is if Bluff Street is vacated. Schroeder commented the drainage issues with the adjoining property v/ill still need to be addressed. Chair Smith stated the Planning Commission needs to get some direction from the City Council on Bluff Street, noting that the Planning Commission did not look favorably on vacating Bluff Street In the past. Lindquist stated he has a problem with the drainage, but this application needs to move forward. Bentrott commented he would like the Planning Commission to act on this application. Page 3