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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,June 15,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> of the driveway. Delaney indicated she has a single driveway close to the curb and it is a dangerous <br /> situation since the road is used as a back entrance to Woodhill Country Club and there is a fair amount of <br /> traffic. Delaney stated to add another driveway in close proximity to hers seems like it will create more <br /> problems. <br /> Curtis illustrated the location of the proposed driveway. <br /> Delaney stated she also walked the property with Mr. Brunello and he indicated that they were simply <br /> measuring points from the survey and not from the lot lines. Delaney stated after looking at the plans, <br /> they do appear to be lot lines and that it would be nice to have a better visual of where the house will be. <br /> In addition, Delaney stated there is a city easement of 30 feet that was taken at the time Woodhill Avenue <br /> was widened. Delaney stated she thought she saw something in Staff's report that said that was one <br /> reason why the variance should be granted. <br /> Delaney stated the neighbors are not opposed to a new residence since the existing structure is rundown, <br /> but that the proposed location does not seem to be an appropriate place for a driveway. Delaney stated <br /> she would like to see the driveway more towards the rear of the house and there are more options for the <br /> layout. Delaney stated there is also a significant amount of hardcover. <br /> Delaney asked if a porch or a deck can be added to the Woodhill side. <br /> Curtis stated the two porches and deck are part of the footprint of the house and are included in the <br /> structural coverage number. <br /> Delaney stated in her view the project needs further consideration given the driveway and setback <br /> situation. Delaney stated she would also ask that the Rokkes be given a chance to look at the plans in <br /> person. <br /> Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 9:06 p.m. <br /> Leskinen stated the first point she would like to make is that it is an improvement in terms of the setbacks <br /> from what is existing. Leskinen noted the proposed street side setback is a vast improvement since the <br /> existing house is as close as 13.5 feet from Orono Orchard. <br /> Thiesse asked if the engineer has looked at the driveway and whether it is in conformance. <br /> Curtis indicated it is. <br /> Leskinen stated the only issues are the lot area, lot width, and the side setback variances since the other <br /> parts of the proposal meet code. <br /> Schoenzeit stated as it relates to the house to the north, as long as it is out of the setback, the house is <br /> compliant. <br /> Thiesse stated in his view due process is important and that the neighbors should have a say. Thiesse <br /> asked if they would be able to comment during the Council meeting. <br /> Curtis stated the public is usually allowed to speak. <br /> Page 23 of 53 <br />