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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 /> is his belief another market analysis will be done with the second phase. Gaffron indicated there are <br /> two other parcels within the City that could be used for senior housing. <br /> Mabusth stated she does also have a concern with the intersection and the amount of traffic that is being <br /> added to this area. Mabusth stated in her view a semaphore is needed at this intersection. <br /> Gaffron stated it is the desire that a semaphore be installed at that intersection by the time the first senior <br /> housing building opens this fall. Gaffron indicated Staff is currently working with Mn/DOT on this <br /> issue, with Mn/DOT's position being that this intersection does not have sufficient warrants to justify a <br /> stoplight at this site. Gaffron stated the need for a stoplight is based on the traffic count. <br /> Hawn commented in her view the people are not opposed to the use but rather the height and mass of <br /> the building. <br /> Dunbar stated he does have a concern that there appears to be a misunderstanding concerning the first <br /> senior housing building and the proposed office building. Dunbar stated they have complied with the <br /> requirements of the City and are building the first building in conformance with the approved plans and <br /> specifications. <br /> Dunbar commented it was his belief that the residents would prefer a second senior housing building <br /> rather than an office building. Dunbar stated he would like an opportunity to speak with the residents <br /> regarding this project. Dunbar stated he would like to table his application. <br /> Hawn stated it is her belief the residents have a concern with the length and height of the building that <br /> would face their neighborhood. <br /> Berg commented this type of building is large for this area and perhaps would be better suited <br /> elsewhere, especially in light of phase one. <br /> Hawn inquired how many people from Orono have leased space in the new building. <br /> Dunbar stated he is not aware of the exact numbers but a large number of them are parents of people <br /> who live in Orono. Dunbar stated there also is a large number from the City of Long Lake. <br /> Hawn recommended the developer consider having a three-dimensional model of the project. <br /> Dunbar stated he would be interested in doing that,particularly to demonstrate the differences between <br /> the office building project and the additional senior housing project. <br /> Kluth commented the developer at the time he was requesting approval of the office building concept <br /> portrayed the office building in a very positive light,but now appears to be putting the office building in <br /> a more negative light in order to gain approval for the senior housing project. <br /> Dunbar indicated he did speak with the residents rather candidly regarding the lights and the impact that <br /> the office building would have on the area. Dunbar stated he is willing to table this matter and is also <br /> agreeable to meeting with the residents. <br /> PAGE 21 <br />