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From: RRN To: Melanie Curtis Subject: Idyllvale Shores Development Comments for 3/10 Council Meeting Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025 1:24:02 PM Melanie, this is for inclusion in the Council packet for the 3/10 Meeting regarding the subject development. Thank you. To: Orono City Council Members, I am writing to you in regards to the subject proposed development which I believe is on the council agenda for review and final approval on March 10. My name is Randall Nord and I am a resident along the NW border of Lot 4 in the proposed development. You are probably more aware of the details than I am, but the way I believe the February Planning Commission meeting ended was that the developer's representatives were sent back with out approval, for them to redesign the proposed curve on the east -west extension of North Arm Drive, and to await the final decision from the MCWD, after the developer submitted responses to all the MWCD's open issues. First let me state that in general, I am not opposed to the development. I am at 100 Bayside Trail and already have homes up on the hill behind me to the north (on my left), and to the east directly behind me. And, as such, the addition of another home behind mine on that hill to my right in Lot 4 is not an issue for me per se, as far as it being visible from my property. That's progress. What I am worried about though are two things: First, on Lot 4 (and to a lesser degree on Lot 5), the building pad for the home and driveway loop as shown on the site plan results in a very steep slope down to the wetland below and I am very concerned about runoff of fertilizer, from soil erosion, etc, etc, into the wetland. Second, I am concerned that to access the North Arm, both lots 4 and 5 will have to build raised boardwalks across long sections of wetland 2. I did speak with Abigail at the MCWD about these issues and she understands them, but said if the developers meet their requirements to avoid runoff, they will approve the plan. As for the long boardwalks needed to access the North Arm, she said there would be no approval given to do that at this time, and a separate permit request would be required later. She also said their approval would not allow an ATV or vehicle path to the lakeshore either. In summary, as I stated at the beginning of this email, I am not opposed to this development per se. However, I have some huge concerns over Lots 4/5 that place 2 homesites right in the middle of an old and rather undisturbed wetland, that could result in some serious environmental issues impacting the future of this wetland, and the movement patterns and food supplies of the wildlife and water fowl that live there. Basically, I feel these 2 lots are essentially unbuildable for all the reasons I laid out. The site plans for them are very creative and as some Planning Commissioners said, meet city guidelines for lot size, hard surfaces, septic mound spaces, etc. But, approving them simply because they meet these black and white specs does not take into consideration the impact on the wetland. Thank you for considering my concerns and I look forward to discussions regarding this development at the upcoming March 10 council meeting. Best Regards, Randall Nord 273