07-15-2002 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,July 15,2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. (#02-2789 DAHLSTROM DEVELOPMENT, Continued) that this is not accurate,as the CMP does not define routing for Kelley Parkway but merely indicates it will be "300-500 feet north of Highway 12". Gaffron suggested additional discussion addressing staff's concern about the applicants' proposal to locate a segment of Kelley Parkway within the existing MnDOT stormwater pond right-of-way take place, never suggested as a feasible or preferred configuration. Gaffron stated that Public Service Director Greg Gappa discussed this with Ben Timerson of MnDOT,who indicated that while such a reconveyance to the City would be feasible, it would not be a priority and would likely take 6 months to a year to process. Staff believed it would not be in the City's best interest to pursue such a request on behalf of the applicants. While City support and partnering in gaining approval for the use and expansion of the MnDOT pond right-of-way for regional stormwater purposes is one thing, Gaffron maintained pursuing a swap for road purposes is quite another and does not rise to the same level of importance. The City is currently working closely with MnDOT to ensure that the Highway 12 project proceeds as smoothly as possible, whereas MnDOT does not have the resources to deal efficiently with requests such as this. Gaffron suggested that the Planning Commission make a recommendation,as to whether the applicant and City should pursue use of the MnDOT pond area for Kelley Parkway. Gaffron supplied the Commission with a punchlist of 8 various topics along with an outline of the site plan elements that should be considered prior to making a recommendation to Council on the Concept Plan. Gaffron indicated that the Planning Commission should first concentrate on whether this concept plan generally achieves the purposes of the RPUD District. Next, consider whether the mix and spatial relationships of the various unit types within the development and in relation to each other as well as the surrounding uses, is appropriate. He added that discussion whether the lack of a defined proposal for the use of the outlots will cause potential issues in terms of whether the outlots can be used for their intended purpose is warranted. The issues regarding location of Kelley Parkway in the MnDOT pond r.o.w.also seems to be a critical factor to staff in determining whether the entire concept plan can move forward. Smith invited Steve Johnston, of Landform Designs, to make a brief presentation in order to familiarize the public with the proposal. Following the presentation, Smith asked that public comment be made and discussion among the Commissioners be limited to approximately an hour, specifically addressing the punchlist provided by staff.. Mr.Johnston shared schematic drawings of the units in order to provide the Commission with a feel for the scale and mass of the units, and how they would be laid out. Johnston pointed out that PAGE 20 of 36