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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 /> Bonnett stated they would like to see something that fits better with the land. Bonnett noted they require <br /> two variances for what they are proposing. Bonnett stated he would like the applicants to get more out of <br /> the property but with more respect for the two neighboring property owners. <br /> Lon Oberpriller, Replacement Housing Services, stated he represents the people on the other side of the <br /> issue and that he would like to make some clarification here. Oberpriller distributed some pictures <br /> showing the type of house that is proposed to be constructed. <br /> Oberpriller stated he is concerned because he has heard a lot of disparaging comments about two-story <br /> houses but that this is a very unique situation here. Oberpriller stated he understands the neighbors would <br /> like a story and a half but that this house is not a huge house and is not over its square footage. <br /> Oberpriller noted they are talking about an attached garage with a mudroom, which are saleable issues. <br /> Oberpriller stated he also understands the side yard issue. Oberpriller indicated he does a lot of <br /> replacement and tear down work in Edina and that he understands the issues. Oberpriller stated while the <br /> neighbors have an interest in this property because they live next to it,there is 17 feet from the property <br /> line and they are only going up. Oberpriller indicated they even hipped the roof to ease the impact on the <br /> neighborhood. The average height is 26 feet and the peak height is 31 feet. <br /> Oberpriller stated he does not want to appear to be irritated, but that he was hearing a one-sided <br /> conversation with the neighbors interjecting things, which surprised him a little bit. Oberpriller stated the <br /> Planning Commission appeared to be quite concern about what the neighbors wanted but that nobody <br /> bothered to ask the applicants what they want. <br /> Bonnett stated they are great houses in Edina but not in this neighborhood. <br /> Leskinen stated they are going to confine the conversation among the Planning Commissioners and that <br /> the public hearing has been closed. <br /> Berg stated she does not have a problem with the application and that they should be allowed to construct <br /> what they would like. <br /> Schwingler stated in regards to the public comment, laid out in front of the Planning Commission is what <br /> the applicant would like and the information is also on the screen. <br /> Thiesse stated this was also an open meeting and that the public could comment on the application. <br /> Landgraver stated he is hesitant to start making policy and creating an arbitrary zone far where two-story <br /> homes are allowed based on one application. Landgraver stated he is willing to act on what is before the <br /> Planning Commission. <br /> Schwingler noted the Planning Commission is a recommending body. <br /> Gaffron noted one condition discussed was additional screening. <br /> Landgraver moved,Berg seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 15-3772,Robert <br /> Miller,60 Smith Avenue,granting of variances,subject to the applicant enhancing the screening on <br /> both sides of the property. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 1,Lemke Opposed. <br /> Page 24 of 43 <br />