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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, May 19, 2003 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> NEW BUSINESS <br /> (#6) #03-2890 MEADWOOD, INC. ON BEHALF OF MARK CREE, 3120 NORTH <br /> SHORE DRIVE,VARIANCE, 10:05—10:35 P.M. <br /> Robert Swanson, Meadwood, Inc., on behalf of Mark Cree, was present. <br /> Gaffron reported that the applicants were requesting a hardcover variance for the 75-250' <br /> zone to allow 9,970 s.f or 36.75%where only 6,783 s.f. or 25% is allowed. The applicant's <br /> agent has proposed the use of a paver system (`Uni Eco-Stone') as a method to mitigate the <br /> excess hardcover,which if the pavers are considered as 0%hardcover would still yield a <br /> 75-250'result of 27.5%. Gaffron introduced Robert Swanson to present a permeable pave <br /> system for the Commission's consideration. <br /> Chair Smith asked if the representative could answer the Commission's concerns with <br /> regard to the property and variance request. <br /> Swanson did not have general knowledge of the application. <br /> Gaffron suggested the Commission discuss details of the application with the owner or <br /> general contractor. <br /> Swanson indicated that it was his intention to encourage the Commission, and Orono, to <br /> consider permeable pavement as a potential pavement alternative. He explained how the <br /> downspout system would collect water runoff until it steeps off into the soil. He <br /> maintained that the system would require little maintenance and that concerns with regard <br /> to an unstable surface were not warranted. <br /> Since hardcover was an important issue and runoff an even greater concern near the lakes, <br /> Mr. Swanson encouraged the City to take a serious look at the permeable paver system as a <br /> legitimate alternative. <br /> While Chair Smith felt the product was interesting, she believed too many other questions <br /> accompanied this application and asked how the Commission could get the property <br /> owners themselves, or their contractor, to be available for discussion. <br /> Gaffron pointed to the original approvals for the 26' driveway, stating that the applicants <br /> struck a deal with the City, which they should be required to uphold. <br /> Chair Smith stated that this was the wrong application for the product to use as its trial in <br /> Orono. She acknowledged that Mr. Swanson had been put in an awkward and <br /> disadvantageous position. <br /> PAGE 22 of 39 <br />