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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,May 18,2015 <br /> 6:30 d clock p.m. <br /> Stickney asked how those two lots could be screened if they are relocated. Stickney stated if he look at <br /> the elevations, those two homes would be sticking up like on a mountain. Stickney stated in theory that <br /> might be a good idea, but if they go up there, it will create an eyesore. Stickney noted they would have to <br /> go up a hill and attempt to construct up there in the area that he is attempting to preserve. Stickney <br /> indicated they would need to clear cut all that down and it would be an eyesore and unsellable. <br /> Stickney stated the reason he is proposing what he is is that it works. Stickney noted every one of the lots <br /> is over conforming and passes the Conservation Design. Stickney stated he could add a few more lots but <br /> that he likes what he is proposing. Stickney stated if he puts in a 100-foot pad site in that location, he <br /> would be clearing out both sides and probably 200 feet of open area where you will see the back side of a <br /> 3-story house. Stickney noted most of the lots are losing very few trees. <br /> Thiesse asked if the Planning Commission can request covenants on the prairie areas stating that they are <br /> not buildable. Thiesse stated he would like to have something in the record that restricts development of <br /> that area. Thiesse noted the prairie area started out as a trust but has since moved to something different. <br /> Schoenzeit stated they are going backwards on that aspect of the proposal but that other aspects are more <br /> acceptable. Schoenzeit stated the prairie is clearly an area where there are now concerns. <br /> Thiesse stated it is not a problem currently but it could be a problem down the road. <br /> Schoenzeit stated it is the City's responsibility to firm that up and that now is the best time to do that. <br /> Landgraver stated he has a lot of confidence the City Council will not approve the plat without having an <br /> understanding about what the future intent is of that area. <br /> Leskinen stated the Planning Commission should clarify what they would like to see as far as these <br /> issues. <br /> Thiesse stated he is happy with what he sees but that he wants more answers. <br /> Leskinen asked if the applicant would like more clarity on the Planning Commission's direction. <br /> Stickney stated he can get that from the notes. Stickney stated there are good reasons for what he has <br /> presented and that the City does have the right to say no to whatever somebody else will present. <br /> Schoenzeit stated while this application is wide open, the City can define the most clarity. Schoenzeit <br /> noted whoever owns the prairie in the future would have the same right to develop, which is why the issue <br /> needs to be resolved. <br /> Leskinen stated the conservation easements will need to be defined and how they will be enforced. <br /> Leskinen noted that would help preserve Mr. Stickney's vision for this area as well. <br /> Stickney stated he totally understands what the Planning Commission is saying but that he is directed by <br /> the first part of his application. <br /> Thiesse indicated he likes what has been proposed so far and that the issue is whether the prairie or the <br /> woods should be preserved. Thiesse noted the owner has decided she does not want the homes on the <br /> Page 23 of 37 <br />