06-16-1997 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 1991 (#1)ZONING FILE #1619-WHITEHEAO CONTINUED Rowlette stated that only three-quarters of the property has been dedicated for the existing cul-ds-sac shown at the end." Gaffron stated that the City would have to take a 50 foot wide outlot in order to access that cul-de-sac. He said/ "Another issue to consider is whether the applicants should be responsible for upgrading Lyman Avenue all the way to Smith Avenue. There is a precedent situation with Woodhill Avenue to the south. Planning Commission may wish to consider whether any hardships exist to allow an upgrade of Lyman Avenue to be less than what City standards require. There are some trees on the Pesek property that could be disturbed." Gaffron continued his review of the issues pertaining to this preliminary subdivision application. Bellows asked Gaffron how old the failing septic system is that serves the existing house. Whitehead stated that it was constructed in 1969. He asked if he could make his statements at this point. Kelley asked him to proceed. Whitehead stated that he has lived on this particular piece of property 22 of the 27 years he has been an Orono resident. He said/ "We have tried to plan this subdivision so that we can preserve the unique and beautiful character of this special property. I v/as present when this property was rezoned to two acres in 1967. At that time/ there was a big issue about whether or not municipal sewer was going to be installed from the Long Lake treatment plant to serve this entire area. During the rezoning hearings/ the property on Lyman and Smith Avenues was identified as a unique and protected area. One of the reasons that this area was rezoned to two acres / was to preserve the properties between Woodhill and the Orono Golf Course. VJhen we moved into our house/ there was only one other residence on the road/ which belonged to Mr. Eisencramer. Mr. Eisencramer was a retired Orono City employee/ which is why Lyman Avenue is maintained up to the driveway serving that lot. Lyman Avenue was never opened as a public road and was never authorized as such. The property we purchased is already platted. VJe approached the City and the owners of 1200 Lyman Avenue regarding a driveway access so we could preserve the trees and drainage areas. The City approved the vacation of other existing streets in the area, with the express understanding that the driveway would be located where it is now. I would now like to respond to items specifically addressed in Mike's report. First of all/ we are definitely planning to bring the - 2 - %