12-15-1997 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 15,1997 (#1 • Affording Housing in Navarre Study, Continued) Hawn asked what will happen when property owners make application for variances to permit these larger homes resulting in the loss of affordable housing. Gaffron said he has been discussing this issue with City Administrator Moorse He noted that the City would be losing ground on affordable housing when this occurs Smith questioned how property owners could be requested not to build larger homes instead of maintaining affordable housing Hawn noted that the lots are substandard, though have been receiving variances in the past Sn.ith acknowledged that the larger homes will have to be allowed to be built if the housing meets code McMillan noted that the lot size will minimize what can be built on these lots Schroeder indicated that rezoning could occur. Hawn questioned whether the Planning Commission would be inconsistent if variances are not granted in this area in a similar fashion as has occurred elsewhere in the City. Smith asked if the City has a vision on what there should be in affordable housing. Gaffron said he has no viewpoint at all on this topic; the housing is as it is. Gaffron said he has not seen the Council making any conscious decisions to change their direction. He cited the example of the Brook Park Realty Subdivision, where the Council felt the density was too high; and less density results in less affordability. Lindquist asked if this issue will be a consideration in decisions made regarding the Comprehensive Plan update. Gafrron said the City will have to state what will be done regarding affordable housing No numbers nave been developed as of yet Schroeder noted that if sewering is used as a restraint in having affordable housing available, the Met Council is contrary in its discouragement from expanding the MUSA. Gaffron said the Met Council has discouraged 2 acre and 5 acre housing, which is not cost effective for providing sewer to. This housing density has caused the Met Council to bypass the City in its development to the west. He noted the Council and Met Council have not seen eye to eye on this issue. Schroeder added that the 2 acre ?nd 5 acre density is done to protect the lake Hawn noted there is alot of discussion regarding what the Met Council would like to see done. She felt the City should want to have affordable housing for those residents needing it who live and work here, and to enable those who have grown up in Orono to remain. She asked that the City consider what we want rather than concentrating on what the Met Council wants. Smith noted, however, that the City cannot have both 20% sewered properties and have 60% affordable housing; this is a oxymoron. Lindquist indicated that this information will assist in providing input for the update of the Comprehensive Plan Schroeder asked why this is being done. Van Zomeren said a component of the update is housing. The cities around the lake have been discussing the topic of affordable housing and pooling their ideas in providing such affordable housing somewhere around the lake This resulted in the idea of reviewing the Navarre area