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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, February 22, 2016 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 10 of 13 <br /> <br />11. TCO DESIGN, 2380 SHADYWOOD ROAD – REZONING AND CONDITIONAL USE <br />PERMIT – RESOLUTION NO. 6589 (continued) <br /> <br />Wolfson stated he is hopeful to have a little more of a discourse about the history of the property, the use, <br />and Navarre in general. Wolfson stated with the favorable meeting at the Planning Commission, they <br />were not expecting such a different outcome at the Council level, and that he would like to understand <br />whether they have any alternatives. Wolfson stated one option would be a conditional use permit that <br />perhaps did not require a rezoning. <br />Wolfson stated he would like to discuss the reality of this property. Wolfson stated this property does not <br />support the types of business the City would like in this area. The area has always had some <br />neighborhood commercial, but overall the density and demographics in the area do not support retail on <br />this site. Wolfson indicated he has approached a number of businesses about this property over the years <br />and there has not been any interest in the property. Historically the property was not retail with the <br />exception of the Snyder’s building, and the current building is cost prohibitive for most businesses given <br />its size, shape, property taxes and operating expenses. Wolfson stated the economics simply do not <br />enable small businesses to survive at this location. <br /> <br />Wolfson stated in his opinion the other businesses in the area should make an investment to improve their <br />buildings, which in turn will help generate more interest in this site. Wolfson noted there are also the two <br />small free-standing buildings across the street from the subject property that are underutilized. In <br />addition, the Freshwater Institute has been forced to consider a deep discount in its selling price in an <br />effort to generate some interest. <br /> <br />Wolfson commented he was hoping they were going to be able to get this property off the market. <br />Wolfson stated while the proposed use was not perfect, it would have brought employment, investment, <br />and some positive momentum to this corridor, and that he hopes this opens the dialogue for moving <br />forward. <br /> <br />Walsh stated this was a tough situation since the property was guided for a different density and use. <br />Walsh noted the City Administrator knows more about what the different possibilities are than he does <br />but that there are not many businesses that could utilize a building of this size. <br /> <br />Wolfson stated it is somewhat of an encumbered property given the parking situation. Wolfson stated to <br />raze the building and rebuild would also be difficult and that there is not much incentive for the <br />neighboring property owner to work with any future owner of the property. Wolfson stated aesthetically <br />it is a very nice property. <br /> <br />McMillan concurred that the parking situation is unique and that some buildings can be repurposed easier <br />than others. McMillan stated the subject building is difficult to repurpose just like the Freshwater <br />Institute building is. <br /> <br />Wolfson noted they have lost a few clients due to the parking situation but that it would be well suited for <br />the proposed use. Wolfson stated it would be nice to see something positive happen on the site. Wolfson <br />noted the proposed use for the site is not currently offered in this area but it is a use that the community <br />would find beneficial. Wolfson stated people from outside the area would also likely use it. <br />