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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 /> (#3 #03-2869 DR. ROBERT GUMNIT, Continued) <br /> Chair Smith reminded the applicants that a previous use does not necessarily guarantee <br /> them the ability to return to that original use since some time had passed and new state <br /> statutes had come into play. <br /> Dr. Gumnit reiterated what he felt to be their hardship,which was the inability for them to <br /> access or use 1.8 acres of their property. He stated that, legally, they did have the right to <br /> place a fence on the island near the top; however, they wished to make use of a less <br /> obtrusive low visibility wire fence near the lower portion of the island which would hardly <br /> be noticeable. He pointed out that, if the island were viewed as adjacent to a wetland <br /> versus the lake, he would be allowed to place the fence 26' versus 150' from the <br /> 'shoreline'. <br /> Having lived on this parcel for 15 years, Mrs. Graham noted that much has changed in <br /> Orono over the years; where once you commonly saw horses from the road, now you <br /> don't. She stated that they have an extensive set of woods on their property near the road, <br /> which she felt would be absurd to destroy to keep the horses on an intermittent basis. As <br /> environmentally conscious individuals, she pointed out that, at any rate, they should be <br /> allowed access to 25% of their dry land property and to maintain it. <br /> Commissioner Hannaford arrived at 6:30 P.M. <br /> Chair Smith questioned where a shelter on the island might fit into the picture for the <br /> horses. <br /> Graham stated that,technically, they could build a gazebo on top of the knoll. <br /> Bremer encouraged the Commission to consider the application as two separate items. <br /> Dr. Gumnit reiterated that they wish to have safe access to the island to maintain it and, <br /> separately, would like to be allowed to put up a wire fence to keep their horses <br /> occasionally. <br /> Gaffron concurred that, legally, the applicants do have the right to build something if they <br /> meet the 150' setbacks. <br /> There were no public comments. <br /> Dr. Gumnit distributed two letters of support from his nearest neighbors, Mr. And Mrs. <br /> Colwell of 1130 Old Crystal Bay Road, and Mr. Kendall Ellis of 1020 Old Crystal Bay <br /> Road. Both neighbors supported the application, indicating that it maintained the rural feel <br /> of the neighborhood. <br /> PAGE 4 of 39 <br />