10-19-2015 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 21,2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. Mithun stated encouraging dialogue with the developer is a nice idea but that is all it is. Mithun stated if the application goes to the Council and approves it, there is no incentive for the developer to talk to them. Leskinen stated it is not something that will be enforced but it is something that the Planning Commission is encouraging in an effort to resolve some of the issues. Mithun stated it is a good idea but that he does not see the incentive for the developer to do that. Schoenzeit stated he hopes the developer sees it as common sense and good business. Thiesse noted there are two council members present tonight and that they are also hearing this discussion. Berg stated the City Council can also recommend the same thing. Thiesse asked if there should be a larger escrow if there is going to be regular street sweeping. Gaffron stated there will be a development agreement and a letter of credit required that is typically 150 percent of the cost of the development. Gaffron stated for a project this size, the City would likely be looking at approximately a $20,000 escrow. The intent of the escrow is if the developer does not do things that need to be done,the City can draw from those funds. Thiesse moved,Landgraver seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 15-3774, Michael Steadman on behalf of Irwin Jacobs, 1700 Shoreline Drive, granting of preliminary plat, subject to conditions 1, 2, and 3 outlined in the developer's letter dated September 16, 2015; with the recommendation there be no construction on Sundays,with the hours of construction being limited to 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m., during the week,with same hours on Saturday; subject to the City involving a safety expert to review the traffic issues; and with the recommendation the developer and residents discuss the project regularly,VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. NEW BUSINESS 3. #15-3725 DALE GUSTAFSON ON BEHALF OF DOUGLAS AND ROBAN SMITH, 4195,4175,AND 4167 HIGHWOOD ROAD, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCE, 7:35 p.m.—7:41 P.M. Dale Gustafson, Applicant,was present. Curtis stated the applicant is requesting a conditional use permit and setback variance to allow sub-grade retaining walls within 75 feet of the lake and potentially exceeding the allowed 50 cubic yards of earth movement in order to allow re-grading of the slope and to stabilize a substantial portion of the lakeshore � bank involving each of the properties. Retaining walls are not permitted encroachments in the lake yard and require a variance. Staff finds that the proposal appears to be reasonable and consistent with similar properties in the neighborhood. The applicant has addressed ar mitigated any negative visual impacts resulting from the restoration with new vegetation. The setback variance is necessary as the critical area of repair is in such Page 10 of 46