10/18/1993 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING • HELD OCTOBER 18, 1993 ( #10) #1877 TANDEM PROPERTIES /PETER ANDREA COMPANY - CONT. Deanovic pointed out that no matter how the lot sizes are calculated, they are over 2 acres. Problems in the French Creek development may have been caused by not having full disclosure. Gaffron explained there were designated septic sites in that planned development of 1 -1.25 acre sites. However, when the sites were developed, there were different views of where the house should be placed, etc. so it was difficult to protect the septic sites. Peterson opined that it may be the best alternative to replace wetlands in Medina if the ultimate goal is to protect wetlands even though it would be a loss to Orono. Schroeder felt the wetlands should be saved in Orono. Two people from BWSR, the governmental agency that enforces the technical wetland policies, did not favor mitigation in another area. Putnam stated at this time the ordinances don't mesh between the State and municipalities, which causes many problems. Schroeder asked how important it was that the lots be two acres. He thought some five acre lots might solve some of the problems. Putnam thought it may be more difficult on the Dickey property because there is already a pattern established. Wetlands, ponds and trees actually increase the value of the property. Their view is that the Coffin property is more valuable and the homes will be higher priced. Not all people want to have large lots they have to mow. • also aesthetics. The developer is proposing Hare commented that economics are involved but a P P P g development that may be better for the City. High ground makes a parcel more valuable. A five acre site with only one acre of dry buildable may not be any more valuable than a two acre lot that is all dry buildable. People who are looking for lots in the Orono area are looking for space between their neighbors yet want to be part of a community. Schroeder asked what the expectations are of the price of the lots and homes. Deanovic thought the Dickey property would be $80,000 - $110,000 per lot and the Coffin property would be higher, more comparable to Tuckborough in Medina. Hare thought that enhancing the wetlands may make the property more valuable. Putnam stated they would probably relocate some of them. This is an opportunity to alter Type 1 wetlands but you wouldn't want to alter Type 3 wetlands, nor would that be allowed. Nolan asked what other developments the developers have done. Some of the projects they did were Copperfield in Mendota Heights, several projects in Eden Prairie including Summer Oaks, and many sites for Centex Homes in Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Mendota Heights. They have not done any projects with septic systems. 0 24