Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> SEPTEMBER 18,2000 <br /> • (#2596 Brenshell Homes, Continued) <br /> Hawn commented it was also her understanding the shortening of the cul-de-sac helped to <br /> lessen the amount of grading that would be involved with this development. <br /> Stokes stated these lots are double fronting lots, with frontage along both Wildhurst and <br /> Tonkaview. <br /> Gronberg commented that there typically just has to be frontage along a public street. <br /> Gaffron stated the City of Orono routinely grants variances to lot width for lots situated on a <br /> cul-de-sac in the one and two acre zones. Gaffron stated these lots do have substantial width in <br /> which homes can be constructed that will meet the required setbacks. <br /> Rasmussen inquired whether trees will be removed, and if so,how many. Rasmussen also <br /> inquired whether visibility would change from the road would change with the removal of the <br /> trees. <br /> Weinberger stated Staff has viewed the site,but at this time are not aware how many trees would <br /> need to be removed. Weinberger noted a conservation easement will be placed over the most <br /> sensitive areas in order to protect the natural environment,with plantings being required in areas <br /> where erosion is likely to occur. Weinberger stated there will be tree planting once the grading is <br /> completed along the roadway,with vegetation being restored on the building sites. <br /> Kluth commented in his view the developer could proceed forward without a lot width variance <br /> • but that the developer is working with the City in an effort to reduce the environment impact on <br /> this area. Kluth stated he is in support of the project. <br /> Lindquist stated he also is in support of the project. <br /> Hawn commented in her view the developer has worked quite hard with the City in order to <br /> minimize the environmental impact to this area as well as to comply with the City's regulations. <br /> Hawn noted the developers have addressed all of the concerns raised by the City Engineer, and <br /> in her view will be able to meet any concerns the Watershed District may have. <br /> Smith stated in her view she would like to see Lots 2 and 3 combined, noting that is a decision <br /> that would be up to the developer. Smith commented she feels the developer is addressing the <br /> concerns. Smith stated in her view she is unsure whether tabling this application would allow <br /> improvement over this plan. <br /> Stoddard stated the developer has submitted a better plan tonight for their consideration, noting <br /> that they have received some new information that he would like to review in more detail. <br /> Stoddard commented the Saga Hill area is a very unique area and needs to be dealt with <br /> carefully. Stoddard stated he would be in favor combining Lots 2 and 3 and would move to <br /> table this application in order to review the information more closely. <br /> Nygard inquired what the worse case scenario would be if houses were built on Lots 2 and 3 <br /> without the variances and whether a driveway off of Wildhurst would be feasible. <br /> • <br /> PAGE 8 <br />