07-15-2002 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,July 15,2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. (#02-2789 DAHLSTROM DEVELOPMENT, Continued) Rahn stated that he liked the proposed water feature. Berg stated that she understood the use of the space to the north,but believed the lofts were way too dense. She could support the site for the lofts, however, felt there were too many. With regard to traffic, Berg stated that the Commission needs to decide what Kelley Parkway will look like. Bremer stated that if there are to be lofts that is where they need to be, from an economical standpoint she could see the logic. She had less issue with the density than she did with 3 stories in general. Bremer contended that since the code allows 3-6 units per acre, the Commission should have no difficulty with 6. She complimented the applicant for their efforts in reworking the design, emphasizing the need to keep the lower price point for Orono to encourage diversity in housing. Mabusth added that the waterways are attractive and do much to enhance the plan. Bremer stated that parking to her was not a big concern and she could not support more parking at the cost of greenspace. She felt less parking might cut down on the amount of extra people Johnston pointed out that without the loft units as part of the equation, the project is at a 4 unit per acre figure. He maintained that if the City was not going to develop this property at 6 units per acre, they should not have said 3-6 units per acre in the code. With this being said, Johnston stated that the applicant would like to find a solution that is good for everyone. He added that the loft units are 60' from the property line,well within what the ordinance requires. In fact,he stated that if the City had concerns about locating housing near public works,they should have turned the building so that the ugly side faced the City Hall. With regard to a 3-story loft unit building versus a 2-story loft building, Johnston pointed out that either requires an elevator. Krall added that 3-story loft buildings were proposed because elevators will be added,and are costly. After examining the area, Krall stated that neither of the proposed 3-story loft buildings will be as high as the new senior building being built down the way. She added that the applicant does not want something obtrusive either, in fact, since they are mixing style, they propose the steps up in scale are very gradual. They have proposed continuity in their design, and have deliberately stuck to virtually the same widths throughout. Krall maintained that the lofts give people options and answer a genuine need in Orono in keeping with a high amenity design. Rahn asked why the townhomes start 1/2 story off the ground. PAGE 23 of 36