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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,August 17,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> The left side setback of 17.5 feet will not be reduced, although the proposed second story adds structure <br /> within the required 30-foot side yard. The adjacent home to the north has an attached garage 11 feet from <br /> the side lot line. The second story addition is anticipated to have little or no impact on that neighboring <br /> property. <br /> On the right side,the existing home is approximately 39 feet from the side lot line while the existing <br /> detached garage is 13 feet from the lot line and set back approximately 23 feet from the front line of the <br /> house. Removal of this garage is proposed and will be replaced by an attached garage 10.1 feet from the <br /> side lot line and about 38 feet from the front lot line. Separation between the existing detached garage <br /> and the neighboring residence is approximately 25 feet. With the detached garage, that separate will <br /> increase to approximately 29 feet. There is a bit of vegetative screening along the lot line which will <br /> likely be reduced due to the new construction. <br /> The Planning Commission should consider the following: <br /> 1. Does the Planning Commission find that the property owner proposes to use the property in a <br /> reasonable manner which is not permitted by an official control? <br /> 2. Does the Planning Commission find that the variances, if granted, will not alter the essential <br /> character of the neighborhood? <br /> 3. Does the Planning Commission find it necessary to impose conditions in order to mitigate the <br /> impacts created by the granting of the requested variances. <br /> The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. <br /> Robert Miller, Applicant, stated they have attempted to keep the expansion within the existing footprint as <br /> possible and still have the attached garage. <br /> Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 8:37 p.m. <br /> T.J. Bonnett, 40 Smith Avenue, stated he and his wife used to own this home so he is familiar with the lot <br /> and home and currently live next to it to the north. Bonnett stated he would like to welcome any and all <br /> neighbors to the neighborhood and that they do not want to inhibit improvement in the neighborhood. <br /> Bonnett stated he has a concern with the proposal because he sees something that would loom over his <br /> property. Bonnett stated if someone were to walk the site,they would say that what is being proposed is a <br /> lot when the second story is added, especially in between these two smaller homes and close to the street. <br /> Bonnett stated he attempted to do something similar five years ago but he was basically told by Staff that <br /> it would never get approved. Bonnett stated he values his privacy and that he does not want to feel <br /> encroached upon. <br /> Natalie Blackwell, 80 Smith Avenue, stated she would echo T.J.'s statements about the expansion and <br /> that she has concerns about how big that second story will look compared to the other homes in the <br /> neighborhood. <br /> Page 21 of 43 <br />