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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 16, 2002 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#8) #02-2827 SVEN GUSTAFSON,4515 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Continued <br /> Mr. Albrecht maintained that everyone in the neighborhood is unhappy with the development. <br /> Chair Smith repeated that the buyer is not legally obligated to combine the two lots. <br /> Although the City takes environmental concerns very seriously, Gaffron pointed out that the <br /> proposed developments for these two lots do meet the 25%hardcover limitations and other <br /> setbacks. He made the case that the hardcover of two homes at 25%would be the same as that <br /> of one massive home at 25% if the lot were one. In fact, Gaffron argued that there would likely <br /> be more drainage issues created by one massive home than by two smaller homes. Once again, <br /> Gaffron pointed out that the biggest challenge for the builder will be to direct the flow of runoff <br /> away from the home to the east. <br /> Chair Smith stated that, typically, if a home meets all the setbacks that are required, the City <br /> approves it. <br /> Mabusth agreed with Gaffron, that there would be a better opportunity to control drainage <br /> problems with the construction of two homes than one massive one. <br /> Fritzler stated that he was opposed to the development simply because these two substandard lots <br /> should be combined in the one acre zoning district and not allowed to remain non-conforming. <br /> Rahn reiterated that it was not a subdivision that was before the Commission and the applicant <br /> can do as they wish. Rahn stated that he would prefer two smaller homes, at 25%,which fit the <br /> character of the neighborhood since everyone maxes out their lots anyway. <br /> Chair Smith repeated that drainage remains the key issue for the neighbors, which fortunately, <br /> can be addressed by the applicant. <br /> Mr. Gustafson indicated that they would be tearing down the existing residence and asked what <br /> Commissioner Fritzler was opposed to. <br /> Fritzler stated that he was opposed to two neighboring substandard lots being sold separately in <br /> the one acre zoning district. He felt this was the time for the lots to fall into conformity. <br /> Mr. Gustafson stated that he understood Fritzler's position, and had the economics been in line, <br /> that might have been an option. <br /> In light of residents concerns, Mabusth questioned whether it would be advisable to require a <br /> drainage plan, with the Engineer's comments, before the application heads to Council. <br /> Rahn asked if the drainage issue would be addressed at the permit stage. <br /> PAGE 15 <br />