02-02-1994 Planning Work Session

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r MIMTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY. FEBRl ARY 2, 1994 fencing. She raised ihc point that view protection has never been addressed with marinas. Smith suggested eliminating the word "rockbed" and replace it w ith something all inclusive such as "non-natural materials". Peterson suggested working with the marinas to reestablish landscaping plans again. Gatiron inquired whether Planning Commission felt that a fonnal landscape plan approval process wa^ necessary. Peterson suggested *he larinas should submit a plan to staff with no involvement from the Planning Commission. Dunn identiHed a major parking problem for marinas iK'Curs during boat launching in the spring. Summer months are easier to manage. Dan Crear added that he felt there has only been good change in the marinas particularly Windward and Sailors World. From a business standpoint, he feels you should be careful how^ you punish and look at the big picture. Gaffron moved on to area, height, lot w idth and yard requirements. B-2 lot area standards have always been a minimum of 2 acres. 200' width and 200* depth. In the past, there have been a number of zoning "flip flops" regarding the area between North Shore Drive Marina and Lakeside. Presently it is zoned single family residential. He mentioned that ten years ago Council said it might consider rezoning the area to B-2 if somebody accumulated 2 full acres between the two marinas. Planning Commission may vvant to address whether 2 acres is reasonable. Do we want to make it tougher? If the lot area is changed from 2 acres to 3 or 4, it would be m^ re difficult for the area between North Shore and Lakeside to get rezoned. Peterson stated that if the DNR proposal goes through, we may never have to worry about it. Members agreed that realistically 2 acres would not be large enough to discourage a rezoning to B-2. Gaffron stated that the City has a very minimal B-2 zoning district which includes six marinas, a gas station and the area between Lakeside and Gayle’s. If the area between North Shore and Lakeside were to be rezoned, should the City set higher standards thus preventing any new marina development? Do we want a marina there or not? Beverly Blomberg expressed her opinion that standards should be tougher and would not want to see more marinas or access areas on that bay. Dunn stated that the Planning Commission has an opportunity to get this matter before the Council so the land can be developed either B-2, residential or multi-uses. U*e Fishback suggested the land be kept residential. Gaffron noted the City needs to encourage the ultimate outcome they want to strive for. If we make no decisit)n what the outcome should be, nothing will change. Peterson agreed that a decision needs to made. Rowlette commented she prefers the e.xpansion of the existing marinas rather than a new marina. Gattron stated th»n the neighborhood might have different views. Dunn stated that gross acreage would be an issue for either B-2 or residential. Lee Fishback asked if the Planning Commission has already made a decision for that area by letting someone build a garage. Gaffron explained that the garage cmistruction fits the current zoning standards fc>r the area which is LR-lC-l residential.