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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,April 15,2002 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#02-2771 Orono Ambar,Continued) <br /> Dunbar pointed out that the construction process is a dirty process, particularly in the spring. Dunbar <br /> indicated they have a scooper scheduled every Friday and a caterpillar out there to grade as much of the <br /> dirt away as possible. Dunbar stated in his view once the storm drain system is installed, the site should <br /> dry out,which will help reduce the amount of dirt on the roadway. <br /> Dunbar commented he is concerned that if the residents misunderstood the first phase of this project, <br /> they may be misunderstanding this concept as well. Dunbar stated it would be his preference to delay <br /> discussion on this matter until he has a chance to talk with the residents. Dunbar indicated the office <br /> building would be a much higher structure and would create a larger impact on the neighborhood. <br /> Dunbar stated he regrets the misunderstandings, but it was his feeling the additional senior housing <br /> would be a better use for this property and be more compatible with the neighborhood. Dunbar <br /> indicated he is willing to discuss the issues with the neighbors. Dunbar reiterated he would rather <br /> suspend this discussion until he has a chance to speak with the residents and explain the differences <br /> between the office building and this proposal. <br /> Kluth noted the matter before the Planning Commission tonight is the senior housing facility. <br /> Hawn noted for the record that the City received a letter from Richard and Evelyn Schommer, 2106 <br /> Sugarwoods, indicating they are opposed to this project. Hawn noted the City has also received the <br /> same letter from a number of residents in the Sugarwoods neighborhood. <br /> Kluth commented at the time this project was originally presented to the City, the office building <br /> component of the project was said to be vital to the success of this project, which does not appear to be <br /> the situation now. Kluth stated he does have a concern with the height and density being proposed with <br /> this second building and that the developer is trying to recoup his investment by increasing the density <br /> on this property. <br /> Kluth stated the developer has a number of options he can consider for improving the proposal, such as <br /> reducing the height of the building to two stories or relocating the building slightly. Kluth commented <br /> the saving of some trees in the back of the building in his view is merely a sugar coating and is not a <br /> real attempt to address the concerns of the residents. <br /> Berg stated she had concerns at the time the City was reviewing the plans for phase one of this project, <br /> noting she is not pleased with the appearance of the building. Berg indicated she understands the <br /> developer's comments regarding the office building, but noted that the size of the proposed building is <br /> not appropriate for this site. Berg stated the residents of the Sugarwoods neighborhood are being asked <br /> to look at a significant building. Berg indicated she would never approve that height again. <br /> Berg indicated she is adamantly opposed to this proposal and has quite a few concerns relating to the <br /> traffic,building size, and appearance of the building. <br /> Rahn noted he was not on the Planning Commission at the time phase one was discussed, noting that <br /> some of the conditions for phase two were placed on phase one. Rahn stated in his view it would be <br /> unfair to the local residents to construct a bigger building than what was originally proposed,but that he <br /> PAGE 19 <br />