07-15-1996 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 12, 1996 Page 5 #2154 John O'Sullivan, 2380 Shadvwood Road - Sketch Plan Review Affect Neighboring Residential Property . The location and scale of commercial and industrial development will be controlled so as not to encroach upon the primary residential land uses in Orono. Wherever possible, natural land forms or buffers will be required between different land uses." "11. A Significant Amount of Natural Woodlands and Open Space Will Be Retained on Each Property . Retention of the natural environment requires careful siting and preservation of trees and open space on each urban proprerty." On page CMP 4-26 of the Land Use Plan, it is indicated that the Navarre area "will provide sufficient opportunity for neighborhood retail and service businesses, plus adequate professional offices, to serve the needs of most Orono residents. Accessory functions such as offices and owner-occupied living units or limited multi-family developments will be considered appropriate in or near the Navarre commercial area." Map 7 of the Orono Comprehensive Plan is a depiction of the Land Use Plan. It defines the Navarre area as commercial in nature, but the scale of the map was not intended to identify whether individual properties are included or excluded from the commercial area. Therefore, it may be arguable whether the site of the proposed rezoning is 'planned' for commercial use. Staff Recommendation 1 . It would be most appropriate from a long-range planning perspective to comprehensively study zoning and land use in the Navarre area, before arbitrarily rezoning a parcel at the request of a developer. Analysis of the current situation and future needs of this part of Orono could then result in a more informed decision on whether zoning changes are prudent and desirable. 2. Since such a study has not been initiated by Council, and given the applicants intent to move quickly forward with a formal rezoning application. Planning Commission should provide staff and applicant your thoughts as to whether the requested rezoning is appropriate, or if not, then under what circumstances or conditions it might be appropriate, if any. 3. Consideration should be given to whether there is a need for additional commercial land in Navarre, as well as the impacts of commercial expansion on the adjacent neighborhood. II. Navarre Lane Vacation Applicants propose a vacation of portions of Navarre Lane between Co. Rd. 19 and Olive Avenue. A partial vacation was approved by the Council via application #2126 in May, 1996, but at that time Council rejected the idea of a full vacation, based on a desire to maintain pedestrian access via the remaining unimproved/unused right-of-way. Council indicated that