08-12-1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JULY 15. 19% (#9 - 154 John 0'Sullivan.Erw in Smith - Continued) Schroeder asked the Council members present if there v^ as any long term plan for Nas arre Goetten responded that the original thoughts of planning were dropped after no interest was shown It is her hope that O'Sullivan's other project would encourage other business owners to take part in revitalizing the area Schroeder reiterated that there was no grand plan envisioning a movement to develope a systematic plan for the area Kelley said the area w ill probably not compete with neighboring city areas and saw a need to view it differently. Goetten acknowledged that the City has never done any TIF programs Kelley agreed that unless the business owners have an vested interest, any improvements would be for naught Berg added that there were alot of absentee ow nership properties within Navarre Goetten said it w as her hope if the new project was successful that it would energize the area Gaffron said plans considered but not adopted in the 1988 review included parking to be located in front of the buildings w ith some multi-family and institutional facilities as well a.s single and duplexes to the west Peterson suggested a sub-committee review the area but would not apply to this particular application He saw the proposed commercial development as an excellent choice over multiple housing options He asked other Commission members if the plan was appropriate for the site Erwin Smith noted difficulty in gaining upgrades in the buildings in the area. O’Sullivan added that with the new’ restaurant and other buildings, there will be improvements made elsewhere. Coen noted that the original O’Sullivans had been refaced Schroeder acknowledged O’Sullivan as a driving force to revitalizing the area O’Sullivan did see the project as a catalyst for others when new business is brought to the area Regarding rezoning, O’Sullivan commented that the church has been there for many years, and it may be hard for others to envision anylhing else He said the project at hand makes sense with the neighborhood and its municipal parking in creating a natural flow. O'Sullivan said their purchase option for the church property expires at the end of July, and only a short extension will be allowed. He said no developer or business will commit to a project without assurances that rezoning will happen Banks have shown interest in becoming a tenant but will not progress further without the rezoning. O’Sullivan said, once the rezoning issue is resolved, the project can be conformed to the code requirements He saw possibilities of clinics, light retail, bank, gift and greeting shops. He noted there would be no high intensive use of the property such as video or liquor stores. O’Sullivan said buffer zones would be created. During a meeting, neighbors asked how the property would be accessed and deliveries made. Reaction was favorable to the plans. Peterson noted that the majority of those attending walked to the meetings O'Sullivan said he has spoken with 80% of the business owners and all voiced favorable opinions of the project. They also saw no conflicting usage.