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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> November 20,2023 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. <br /> There were no public comments. <br /> Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. <br /> Ressler said it sounded like a good plan. <br /> Kraemer said any time you get that reduction in hardcover he is in support. <br /> Libby moved,Kraemer seconded, to approve LA23-000060,3600 Casco Ave.Variances as applied. <br /> VOTE: Ayes: 5,Nays 0. <br /> 3. LA23-000061 OUTDOOR EXCAPES, 2601 CASCO POINT ROAD, REQUESTS A 75 <br /> FOOT LAKE SETBACK VARIANCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING <br /> WALLS WITHIN THE LAKEYARD. <br /> City Planner Nye explained the applicant is proposing to construct a new lake stair and two new retaining <br /> walls within the lakeyard. The property is currently experiencing erosion on the hillside that is impacting <br /> an existing lakeside shed and oak tree. The property has some boulders that are no longer preserving the <br /> hillside. While new lake stairs are permitted within the lakeyard, a variance is required for any new <br /> retaining walls within the 75-foot lake setback. The applicant has identified the erosion of the hillside and <br /> protection of the existing shed and mature tree as practical difficulties supporting the requested variance. <br /> Staff finds the existing conditions of the property and the preservation of the existing structure and tree as <br /> practical difficulties which support the variance request. Staff recommends approval of the lake setback <br /> variance for the construction of two new retaining walls as proposed with the condition that additional <br /> screening of the walls where feasible be implemented to preserve the natural vegetated view from the <br /> lake. <br /> Drew Torrence of Outdoor Excapes spoke for the applicant explaining the proposal is trying to solve the <br /> problem of erosion and would serve a functional purpose of holding up the hillside. He said what they are <br /> proposing would also be a dramatic improvement from an aesthetic standpoint. <br /> Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. <br /> The owner of the home introduced himself but had no additional comments. <br /> Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. <br /> Ressler pointed out the staff described the improvements as minimal and staff doesn't use that term <br /> lightly. <br /> Schultze moved,Libby seconded,to approve LA23-000061,2601 Casco Point Rd.Variances as <br /> applied.VOTE: Ayes: 5,Nays 0. <br /> OTHER BUSINESS <br /> Peak Agenda Management Introduction <br /> Page 5 of 6 <br /> 7 <br />