10-21-2002 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, October 21,2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. (#14) #02-2840 DAHLSTROM DEVELOPMENT LLC, 2550 KELLEY PARKWAY, Continued Chair Smith asked for further clarification of sites she could look at with regard to a similar look or density. Mr. Hassler indicated that it was most difficult for them to find a similar two story rambler style townhome for the Commissioners to drive by and compare. The Colt estate development in Minnetonka would be the closest to this style he could think of, otherwise, he would put together a list of locations with similar style homes and provide that to the Commission. Chair Smith asked how soon they could provide the Commission with the representative list. Hassler indicated that it would be first thing the next morning. Hawn inquired as to the price points the different designs would be listed at. Hassler stated that the lofts would be priced in the $225,000 range; the rambler style twinhomes, in two or three different styles, would approximately run in the mid $400's; and the two story townhomes would be priced from $300,000 - $320,000. With regard to the circulation, Johnston clarified that a sidewalk width of 3' was proposed when it merely was used as the walkway to the front door of a house, the average streetside sidewalks were approximately 5' wide, which allows for two people walking next to one another. Where there would be bike traffic, there were separate trails proposed. Johnston indicated that it was their desire to keep the hardcover at a minimum. He pointed out that the architectural look would not be modular block, but mostly stacked limestone chunks. Hawn asked if the limestone look would be similar to that of the airport. Johnston stated that the placement would be in a more random pattern. Mabusth asked if the retaining walls would exceed 4'. Johnston noted that it was their intention to stay below 4', however, in the event the walls were higher for some reason,the developer would install handrails. Mabusth questioned the retaining walls proposed for the back loft building. Johnston stated that the back loft building would be more narrowly defined in the future as the developer meets with the City to plan that phase of the project. Johnston maintained that this was merely a preliminary drawing for the building, with a final to be presented to the Commission likely next fall. Johnston added that in the near future, street names would likely replace the east, west, north, and south designations. In general, Johnston pointed out that the Commission could look at the Page 21