10-19-2015 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 21, 2015 6:30 dclock p.m. Steadman noted they were required to do a Conservation Design Report,which has been completed and is very extensive. The purpose of the report is to protect the wetlands, the woodlands, and vegetation. Steadman stated if a temporary access road is required, in his opinion that report would be non-effective. Steadman indicated he has been selling real estate in Orono for 30 years, and one of the great pleasures is being able to communicate the difference between Orono and other cities in the Metro. Steadman stated the City's legacy are the acreage sites ranging from one acre on up. Steadman stated the first photograph on the overhead depicts Shoreline Drive. Irwin Jacobs owns approximately 750 feet along Shoreline Drive. The only access is the driveway to the east. Steadman pointed out the sharp curve coming from the west. Due to the wetlands,this is the only driveway access to the site. Steadman stated they have done a pretty complete analysis of the property and that they have looked at two alternative access sites. One possible access considered was over by the guest house and the other was the existing driveway. As it relates to the first option, as you go to the west,there is a 20 percent slope, which would make it extremely difficult to maneuver. Steadman stated the best temporary access that could possibly be used would be the main driveway. The temporary access would come behind the house but there is a 40-foot drop from the edge of the driveway to the proposed cul-de-sac, which is a dramatic drop. There is also a natural buffer between the 20-acre site that is being proposed for the main residence and the three lots, which is crucial for keeping the integrity of the property. Steadman pointed out where the temporary access would cut through the woods. Steadman indicated he does have a drawing that shows the grade limits, the impact, and how many trees would need to be removed as a result of the temporary access. Steadman noted the drawing shows the main residence,the driveway, and the nine acres that are full of maple trees, cherry trees, linden trees, hackberry trees, the wetlands, and the trail system. Steadman stated he would like to talk now about the impact a temporary access would have. The temporary access would result in an 1,800 foot temporary driveway compared to the 350-foot driveway that is being proposed onto Heritage Lane from Foxhill. Steadman noted there is a very dangerous left turn into the property. Steadman stated he also went out to the property with Doug Dobosinski of Dobosinski& Sons, who gave a recommendation that was submitted to the City. In his view grading trucks, dump trucks and cement trucks would have a difficult time maneuvering down the driveway,particularly in the steep slopes. Steadman stated when you look at the access point that would be carved in, which is essentially where the Jacobs' driveway ends and the cul-de-sac begins,there would need to be a 10 percent grade or a 12 percent grade. That would result in the removal of 127 trees and disturbing an area of approximately 25,000 square feet or half an acre. The amount of cut would be 150 cubic yards and the amount of fill required would be 1,500 cubic yards. In addition, erosion control would be a significant problem. Steadman stated the impact to Lots 2 and 3 would also be dramatic. Steadman noted the proposed homes are 600 feet from the Foxhill neighborhood, and as a result of the temporary access, those homes would be looking at an open area that has been dramatically changed from the natural topography. Page 3 of 46