01-22-03 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday,January 22, 2003 6:30 o'clock p.m. (#02-2854 KEVIN MANLEY, Continued) Gaffron indicated that, from an equity standpoint, applications have been repeatedly denied to do grading to construct walkouts in this neighborhood . In fact, an application to create a walkout on this property was denied 4-5 years ago,however,now the work has been done and the City is striving to restore the property to some semblance of what it was. Gaffron explained that the building inspector felt that none of the Options does enough to restore the property to what it was originally, since permits were never applied for which would allow the grade change in the first place.With regard to hardcover,all three Options have similar impact. In regard to protection of the lakeshore, Chair Smith asked which Option the City could support. If the City were trying to retain the existing shoreline character of the neighborhood, Gaffron felt that any of the three Options would do. Chair Smith asked if the Commission found the proposed plantings acceptable. She inquired whether native species or additional trees were suggested. Suarez maintained that most of the plantings would be of a native variety,woody, grasses,and dogwoods. He pointed out that few properties have trees near the shoreline. The Commission agreed the proposed plantings with added trees would be acceptable. There were no public comments. As a matter of equity,Hawn indicated that her first choice would be to see the property restored to its original state. She maintained that the application for what now has been done anyway,had been denied just a few years ago. At this juncture, Hawn believed it to be in everyone's best interest to maintain a stable landscape and could support staff's recommendation. Mabusth stated that, she too, could support Option 1 of staff's recommendation, however,had concerns about the runoff near the "bowl" area. She also wished to see trees in various areas of the yard in order to break up the vertical expanse. Suarez reiterated that gutters and downspouts would be used to direct runoff away from the depressed area. He noted that trees could be added to the corners of the lot nicely. Mabusth asked if the neighbor's concern regarding safety and height of the retaining wall had been addressed since the last meeting. Suarez assured the Commission that the tallest wall would be only 4' tall. Gaffron acknowledged that the slope would now be closer to the neighbor's property,with less vegetation than there was previously. Mabusth questioned whether staff found the stairs over the riprap acceptable and Public Service Director Gappa had no issue with the east side stairs. PAGE 3 of 29