12-13-1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 20.1999 (#2522 The Bancor Group, Continued) Johnston indicated that although overall the development Is catling for one tot per acre, the average density under this PRD would be approximately .55 acres, with the smallest tot being .4 acres. In the past Orono has suggested that every tot have its own recreational area, which is doubtful for this development due to the smalt lots being proposed. Johnston pointed out that there is not a significant buffer area being proposed between the residences and Willow Dn'^e. which should be addressed. Johnston stated he would like to reserve the right to speak again should the Planning Commission indicate a willingness to vote in favor of the rezoning. John Grobe, 2350 Shadowood Drive, presented the Planning Commission with a petition signed by 48 residents in the area opposed to developing this area into less than two acre lots. Grobbe indicated that a larger number of residents would probably be in attendance at tonight's meeting but are unable to attend due to the open house being held at the school tonight. Grebe stated that he moved to Orono because of the smaller community size and the rural environment, which he would like to see preserved as much as possible. Grobe encouraged the Planning Commission to deny this application, noting that in the past four years, all the developments which have occurred in the City has been at two acres or more, and that the impact of this development needs to be considered. Eric Menge, 340 Tumham Road, stated he Is a life-long resident of Orono and would like to see Orono remain as more of a rural type community, with higher density housing being avoided. Tom Carlson stated he is moving to Orono due to the rural natural of the community. Carlson remarked he had the understanding that Orono had a two acre minimum zoning requirement, and if higher density is proposed for this area, it may open the way for other developers to propose higher density housing for the Orono community. Carlson encouraged the Planning Commission to stick to the two acre zoning requirements. A number of residents in the audience indicated that they would like to see the two acre zoning preserved in Orono, and encouraged the Planning Commission to deny this application due to the high density housing being proposed for this area. Donna Crotteau, 2650 Silver View, commented that there are other developments that exist in Orono which are comprised of less than two acres, and that this development would help generate additional tax dollars for the City. Laurie Collick, Medina, stated she would like to see this area preserved due to the natural feeding area that currently exists for the wildlife. Collick commented she would like to see the rural nature of Orono preserved as much as possible, and if this development is approved, it will open the door for more requests for higher density housing. Collick expressed concerns about the impact that this development will have on the Orono Schools, noting that there currently is a shortage of classroom space, and that this development will also have a negative impact on the amount of traffic in the area. Collick urged the Planning Commission to deny this application. Cathy Johnston, 2336 Shadywood Drive, commented that Amendment Two to the Comprehensive Plan does recognize one acre housing, noting that this development will be hidden by a number of trees and is located close Long Lake, which has higher density housing. Newman, Bancor Group, stated that the realignment of Highway 12 does present a basis upon which the comprehensive plan needs to be reviewed and perhaps revised. Newman commented that they acknowledge the neighborhoods’ concerns regarding this development, but that an Page 9