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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, February 8, 2016 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />11. #16-3803 STONEWOOD, LLC, ON BEHALF OF TASHITAA TUFAA,1830 <br />SHORELINE ROAD, VARIANCES AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (continued) <br />Libby stated he would like to note that since 1983, Orono has required that new driveways have a turn- <br />around, which in this case would be an intelligent alternative to consider rather than a second curb cut that <br />would impact the residents of this neighborhood. <br />Libby stated he was very relieved to find out from the designer and builder that their intention is to use <br />access onto County Road 15 for the construction traffic. Libby asked which one of these trucks would be <br />turning from the lot onto County Road 15. <br />McMillan stated that is probably known at this point. <br />Libby stated given the size, weight, and length of the vehicles, some of the same considerations should be <br />given to this project as was given to other developments. Libby suggested only right-hand turns be <br />allowed in and out of this construction project for safety onto County Road 15 and that they should not be <br />allowed access down Heritage Lane. Libby noted Hennepin County does not have any mandate that <br />would supersede the City's authority regarding access. <br />Greg Coward, 1950 Heritage Drive, noted he has been before the City Council when other projects have <br />been proposed and that the Foxhill residents may be getting the reputation that they are always against <br />new development but that isn't always the case. <br />Coward stated when the 1860 Shoreline development was first discussed, 7,000 cubic yards of dirt were <br />proposed to be removed from that site. That project was approved unanimously by the Planning <br />Commission and the City Council was about to approve it except for the requests of the neighbors that; <br />number of changes be made that would be more favorable to the adjoining property owners. Coward <br />noted the residents did not show up regarding construction at 1955 Heritage Drive or for the <br />reconstruction of 1135 Heritage Lane or for the construction at 1910 Heritage Drive. Coward stated the <br />residents felt those homes were perfectly fine for the neighborhood given their size. <br />Coward stated in this application, it is the feeling of the neighbors that this is too big of a house on too <br />small of a lot. Coward stated at the Planning Commission meeting, a question was asked why there were <br />no comments about Orono's Comprehensive Plan regarding preservation of neighborhoods. One of the <br />Commissioners then asked if the lot in question is part of the Foxhill homeowners association. When he <br />was told that it is not part of the homeowners association, that commissioner said that this lot is not in the <br />neighborhood and therefore it does not make any difference what happens with this lot. That <br />commissioner then proceeded to point to the houses across the street and said that those homes will <br />someday be made much bigger and that it does not make much difference if this project is approved or <br />not. <br />There were no further public comments. <br />McMillan suggested the City Council discuss the bullet points contained in Staffs report. McMillan <br />stated the variances for lot width and lot area are typically granted and are merely saying that the lot is <br />substandard. McMillan noted those would be administratively approved if there was not a side setback <br />variance being requested. <br />Page 22 of 32 <br />