09-14-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 14, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. 11. #15-3772 ROBERT MILLER, 60 SMITH AVENUE, VARIANCES — RESOLULTION NO. 6539 (continued) Oberpriller stated it would not be possible to see the neighbor's windows. Oberpriller noted the white triangle would be roughly the eave line and that the window would be below that. Oberpriller stated it is not their intent to cause disruption to the neighborhood or cause any concerns. Oberpriller stated he would like to reach an understanding that this house will not be peering down on the neighbor's deck. Oberpriller indicated they are willing to repair and replace the screening. McMillan stated it is a good plan but that she wanted everyone to be able to picture the impact. McMillan asked if he is squaring off the second story. Miller indicated that is correct. Oberpriller stated they are basically just adding the second story. Gaffron stated it is approximately 68 feet from the left side of the existing house to the right side of the existing garage. McMillan stated she understands the current second story of the house is not functional and that the proposed new second story will be squared off with windows added at the end. McMillan noted the garage will also be in between this house and the neighbor's house to the north. Miller stated they are attempting to stay within what is existing and to limit the number of variances requested with the project. Bonnett stated he does not understand how rushing the application through will help the situation. Bonnett stated the larger homes in the neighborhood are on huge lots. Levang stated she is concerned about strife in the neighborhood and that she would like everyone to be good neighbors. Levang stated she is not sure whether tabling the application would give the neighbors an opportunity to work this situation out. McMillan stated the only difficulty she sees with the application is the second story and the amount of massing but that she does not want to hold the application up unless the City Council needs more information. Walsh stated in his view the homeowner has done a good job with placing the windows only a foot higher but that those should be verified with the building plans. Walsh stated in his view there is a good amount of buffer and that the applicant is doing everyone a positive by moving the garage forward. Walsh stated as a casual observer, it appears the applicant has addressed the issues with the windows and there is plenty of room on the sides. Walsh noted the applicant is not proposing a huge house and that they have made some concessions to stay within the character of the neighborhood. Walsh stated in the end it will be a benefit to the neighborhood and beautify the area. Walsh stated he is in agreement the landscaping should be replaced if it gets damaged. Page 29 of 39