10-18-1993 Planning PacketC - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINI TES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD OCTOBER 18, 1993 (#9) /('I884 ORVILLE FISHER - CONT. Gaft'ron explaimnJ that the latvJscapcr had suggested gray-twig dogwixxl as a species tliai would thrive in this type of environment. Nolan questioned the number of trees being replaced, noting there were many more trees cut when the smaller trees and understory are considered. He felt the applicant may be getting just what he warted by clear cutting the area and then only replacing a few trees. I his is similar to the prevH us discussion aK>ut after-the-fact variances. The City would not want to set an example that it is ok to do as you want and you have a problem only if you get caught. Tliis problen- is really t)nly paying a little extra money tt> get what you wanted in the first place. I'i.sher stated this was not his intent. He had a .surveyor identify each tree and its location so the replacement would be in the same location. The new trees will actually provide more screening than the lower bo.xclder trees that were previously there. From the house, the Fishers actually looked over the btuelder trees while the new trees will be much taller and larger. They will he placed in the exact location of the previous trees. Schroeder thought it would be a long time before the trees would be large enough to impact the views. Lindquist a.skeJ what could be done other than replant the larger trees and add some underslory. S.^’roeder thought that since this is a chance to make improvements, everything should be done to make improvements. Lindquist stated that if the situation was to improve, more trees would be required. Fisher staled the project ctiuld become quite costly. Schnvder responded that, "With all due respect, cost was not a relevant consideration since the situation was avoidable. The goal now is to do the right thing for the City and protect the lake." Lindquist asked what would be a reasonable amount ol plantings to replace what was destroyed. Gaffion suggested the landscaper. Dale Gustafson, would be able to help resolve that issue. Peterson staled that the IManning Commissii'ii was being asked to consider the after-the-fact variance, not plar for the restoration. Schroeder indicated a restoration plan was included so may need consideration. Nolan did not want to accept the plan as submitted. Smith added she would like to see a combination of larger trees and undersiory to tome close to restoring the area as it was. It was moved by Schrivder. sectinded by Nolan, to deny Applicatii>n 4^1884 for Orville Fisher. 475 Oxford Road, for an after-the-fact variance related to clear cutting in the rc.stricted 0-75 ’ zone. Staff is directed to work w ith the Fisher ’s landscape engineer to develop a plan that would 15