11-09-1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF ORONO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT #7 MAXWELL BAY AREA MUSA BOUNDARY JUNE 1998 Background Since 1962 Orono has made a concerted effort to bring sewer to its nearly 40 miles of Lake Minnetonka shoreline. The many bays of Lake Minnetonka are separated by wooded hills which historically have developed residentially, and a high percentage of Orono's population resides in the defined Shoreland district, within 1000 feet of the Lake. One of the few shoreland areas remaining to be sewered is the northeast shore of Ma.xwell Bay. This stretch of shoreline, including the southeast comer of Stubbs Bay, is approximately 1.2 miles in length. This area has to date developed at relatively low densities, ranging from 1 unit per 2 acres to 1 unit per 10 acres. The current average lot width along the shoreline is approximately 400'. The entire stretch is zoned for 2-acre minimum lot size and is not currently within the MUSA. There is an existing residential subdivision ("Farview") that takes up a significant portion of this lakeshore area. The subdivision was developed at 2-acre density in the late 1970's. At that time the Cit> '‘ septic system management program was just getting started, and the level of expertise in the on-siio industry regarding soil conditions as they relate to septic sites was not well developed. The septic systems installed within this subdivision may not have the longevity of current mound systems, and the adequacy of the alternate drainfield sites is not assured. It would be pmdent to plan ahe.id for the potential need to provide this subdivision with sew’er. Tl ie City has granted preliminary approval for a proposed 7-lol residential plat of a 17-acre parcel at the east end of Maxwell Bay. This portion of the Bay, which includes the undeveloped portion of Noerenberg Park, is one of the most pristine areas on the lake. The parcel being subdivided has retained its natural character with an undisturbed wooded shoreline, which the developer has demonstrated a commitment to preserve. As the City Council reviewed this subdivision proposal, which initially was intended to be served by septic systems, discussion focused on preservation and protection of the natural features of the site and the bay, and on the City's ongoing plan to protect the lake by providing sew’er to the lakeshore area. This discussion lead to the suggestion that, as sew'er is available in the road adjacent to the property, it would make sense to provide this subdivision (and eventually the remaining Maxw'ell Bay shoreline) with sewer to minimize the impacts of development, and to fully protect the lakeshore. The City Council subsequently directed that staff proceed with a Comprehensive Plan amendment to bring the entire shoreline of Maxwell Bay into the MUSA (see attached maps). While the City currently has neither plans nor a schedule for expansion of the sewer system to ser\'e more than just Page 1 of2 # L