09-16-2002 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 16, 2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. (#10) #02-2831 HOPE CHEST FOR BREAST CANCER, 3850 SHORELINE DRIVE, Continued While Fritzler believed that this was a good cause, he wondered how to establish substantially similar use that the Commission could live with in the future. Rahn pointed out that each conditional use is examined on an individual basis. Mr. Chenoweth maintained that this is a retail location that was built to be a retail store, and questioned how the Commission felt qualified to judge what retail is. Chair Smith asked if the Commissioners had any further comment with regard to use, of if they could move onto the hardcover issue. Gaffron reported that he and zoning administrator Weinberger had driven over to the site this evening and determined that it possessed approximately 40% hardcover. While there were no hardcover limits in 1992, Gaffron pointed out that today the commercial hardcover limits are 30- 35%. It is the City's desire to limit hardcover, and Gaffron pointed out that the whole parking lot has been recently repaved to the outer edge. Although you don't need a permit to repave over pavement, Gaffron questioned whether the paving project went beyond the original pavement. He pointed out that the owner would need to pull fill out of the wetland buffer that had spilled over, and indicated that a 10' buffer of green space should run the lot line. He also pointed out that pylons or a barricade should surround the hydrant near the doors. Gaffron suggested the parking be realigned to run along the building in order to meet the space requirements. Chenoweth pointed out that beyond the pavement had been a gravel parking area, which had always been used for parking equipment and cars. Because the gravel was in such poor shape, full of potholes and dips, he repaved it to make it more attractive and useful. While what was there previously had not ever been addressed. Gaffron pointed out that there is no green space around the perimeter of the parking lot, and nothing but asphalt. Chair Smith suggested landscaping be added to enhance the green space. Chenoweth stated that he recently redid the landscaping, removed rock and added mulch. Gaffron suggested he consider adding an island, removing the pavement at the north end near the wetland buffer area, and plant 10' of green space along the lot line. Hensley stated that she thought the landscaping on the grounds was beautifully done. With regard to parking, Gaffron suggested Chenoweth provide a 10' buffer to the north and around the end, run four stalls in front of the doors,plus two by the sidewalk, and 7-8 spots PAGE 23