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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Wednesday, January 17, 2001 <br /> (#2640/2641 Orono Amber, Continued) <br /> Weinberger stated one concern regarding this development involves the intersection of <br /> Highway 12 and Brown Road. The City has contacted Mn/DOT and has requested that this <br /> intersection be provided with a semaphore, which in Staffs view is an important element to this <br /> particular type of housing development. <br /> Weinberger stated the Applicant has not yet submitted a detailed landscape plan for this <br /> development in light of the fact that the RPUD ordinance has not been formally adopted by the <br /> City. The Applicant is proposing a number of green spaces between the parking area and the <br /> building along with a minimum six foot fence along the rear property line, which would stop <br /> headlights, block the view of the parking lot as well as providing a minimal sound barrier in this <br /> area. The Applicant would be required to screen the fence from the residential area to limit its <br /> visibility. <br /> Weinberger stated the drainage from the parking lots will be piped into a Mn/DOT stormwater <br /> management pond located in the corner. Weinberger stated the adjacent property owner has <br /> expressed concerns regarding the parking lot area and snow removal, which will need to be <br /> further addressed. <br /> City Staff is recommending approval of the concept plan as proposed. <br /> Dunbar indicated he is willing to continue working with City Staff in an effort to address the <br /> unresolved issues. Dunbar stated he is available for questions regarding this project. <br /> Karl Berg, 2112 Sugarwood Drive, expressed concerns relating to drainage, noise, and <br /> landscaping. Berg stated he would like the Sugarwood neighborhood to be more involved with <br /> this project. <br /> A resident of Sugarwood inquired whether allowing a three-story structure in this area would be <br /> setting a precedent for the rest of Orono. <br /> Bellows stated the City has zoned various parts of the City for specific uses, with this area being <br /> rezoned to accommodate multi-family housing. Bellows stated the City will not be allowing <br /> three-story structures in all parts of the City. <br /> Sansevere commented that the developer on this project has been very cooperative with the <br /> neighbors. <br /> Dunbar indicated he has done a number of similar type projects throughout Minnesota. <br /> Jacqueline Ricks, 2108 Sugarwood Drive, inquired whether the office building could be pushed <br /> further south. <br /> Dunbar stated they have relocated the office building further south somewhat from the original <br /> plans in order to save a number of the trees in the area, but the building cannot be moved any <br /> further south due to grading issues. <br /> PAGE 18 <br />