Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,June 17,2002 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#02-2795 WJM PROPERTIES, Continued) <br /> Mr. Johnson stated that the sign will be lit from behind and in preparation for this proposal the hours of <br /> operation were not required. <br /> Berg noted that as a shopper,this looks like a sales operation to her. The hours of operation are going to <br /> tell us if this is truly a retail or wholesale operation. <br /> Mr. Johnson reminded the Commission that they have the ability to dictate this since the applicant needs <br /> their approval. <br /> Smith believed that if she could be provided with the hours of operation, she and the Commission might <br /> gain a better understanding of which this is geared for. <br /> Mr. Johnson asked for clarification over what it was that was triggering the concern that the building is a <br /> retail sales operation versus wholesale,was it the outdoor display. <br /> Bellows maintained that the display is triggering a use that they don't approve of, and in addition to, <br /> hours of operation, the Commission needs to determine if this will result in a destination operation. <br /> Rahn inquired where transports would be unloading vehicles. <br /> Mr. Johnson indicated that cars would be unloaded on site outdoors. <br /> Berg inquired over the number of cars on site in the eastern parking lot at any given time. <br /> Mr. Johnson stated that no changes would be made to the existing parking lot size,which currently holds <br /> 340 parking spaces, including 40 employee stalls. <br /> Bellows asked how many cars would typically be on site at one time. <br /> Mr. Johnson estimated that an average of 250 cars would be on hand in the overnight storage area,with <br /> upwards of 400 on site at any given time. <br /> Mr. Fitchel interjected that due to fluctuations in excess inventory this is a difficult number to predict. <br /> Rahn questioned whether the proposal skirts the retail zoning ordinance and in essence still is retail. He <br /> stated that the Commission obviously has little objection to the other uses, such as,the automotive shop, <br /> prep etc. <br /> Bellows maintained that the original intent, as indicated in the letter Exhibit D, still is to provide a retail <br /> sales operation. <br /> Berg questioned the loading and unloading distractions near a residential area at all hours. She went on to <br /> inquire who the customer is specifically. <br /> PAGE 21 OF 29 <br />