08-20-2001 Planning Commission Minutes

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING August 20,2001 (#10) #01-2703 ORONO BASEBALL ASSOCIATION, 1030 OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, 10:53 p.m.—11:08 p.m. Kurt Boerner, President of the Orono Baseball Association,and Clarkson Lindley, Orono Baseball Association,were present. Weinberger stated the Orono Baseball Association is requesting a conditional use permit for construction of a third baseball field at the Lee Carlson Fields Complex. The property is located south of County Road 6 and east of Old Crystal Bay Road. The property is owned by the Orono School District and is leased to the Baseball Association. There are currently two little league fields located on the property, with the new field being located east adjacent to the Willow View development south of County Road 6. The Orono Baseball Association constructed the two existing baseball fields in 1994. At that time there was no conditional use permit required for the west one-half of the property. The City of Orono has leased the west one-half of the property from the Orono School District. The City has then leased the property to the Orono Baseball Association. It was the opinion of the City Attorney that as long as the City was leasing the property from the school for a period greater than ten years,that the baseball fields would be considered a permitted City park use. Weinberger stated the new field would also be utilized for soccer. Since the City does not have a lease for this portion of the property and it is owned entirely by the School District, a conditional use permit is required for the construction. Weinberger stated the access road would be an extension of the existing access off of Old Crystal Bay Road. There will be a 48 stall parking area west of the ball field. In addition,the parking area will include a turnaround area. Pedestrian access will include a sidewalk that would be located adjacent to the new parking area and provide access to a future trail extension along County Road 6. The trail connection would not be constructed by the Orono Baseball Association at this time due to lack of funds. The Park Commission reviewed this request at their August 6th meeting and stated they are supportive of a set aside of land that could be used for a trail connection in the future. The land could be designated for trail use by granting of an easement by the School District. Weinberger stated the Orono Baseball Association is also planning to include some batting cages, a 24' by 36' storage building, a play lot,and announcer's booth. The Baseball Association is proposing to replace an existing storage shed with a larger shed and expand the parking area along the entrance drive. Weinberger stated the Baseball Association only plans to utilize the fields during the daytime,which would not require any lighting. Clark stated they are here to answer any questions the Planning Commission may have regarding the proposal. There were no public comments regarding this application. Kluth inquired whether there is adequate parking for 288 fans. PAGE 31