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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, August 18, 2003 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#13 #03-2936 BRUCE MEESE AND MAUREEN MURPHY, Continued) <br /> Meese stated that the deck helps to alleviate the steepness of the stairway. <br /> Chair Smith noted that the Commission has allowed steps where the grade has been <br /> exceptionally steep; however, she questioned whether they have allowed decks for safety <br /> purposes in rebuild situations. <br /> Gaffron stated that, in most cases, rebuilds have dictated removal of decks in lieu of a <br /> landing on the steps. <br /> Fritzler maintained that the deck, as is, could not stay. <br /> Hawn pointed out that the yard consists of a very compromised slope. She questioned <br /> whether the removal of the deck which helps to support the wall would upset or do more <br /> damage to the site than would be allowing it to remain. She was unsure if the very removal <br /> of the deck would jeopardize the very shoreline they are striving to preserve. <br /> Rahn believed the deck portion of the retaining wall was not necessary for the wall system <br /> to remain, although he would make an allowance for a landing with excess space to house <br /> a lockbox. He felt consistency dictated the decks removal. <br /> Zugschwert agreed with Hawn that there is a need to ensure the integrity of the wall <br /> system. <br /> While she noted the Commission was divided on the deck, Chair Smith added that the <br /> Commission could support the lot width and area variance requests. <br /> Hawn stated that she had trouble supporting the need for a three car garage, when a two car <br /> garage would suffice, and hardcover was in question. <br /> Murphy stated that, while she felt they were making numerous concessions, she also <br /> believed the three car garage would be good for resale and storage. She maintained that the <br /> three car garage would not impact any views and would help them to save some of the <br /> trees on the site. <br /> Curtis pointed out that the top part of the building pad was extremely small and that no <br /> matter what size the garage they would be over on hardcover there. <br /> Rahn asked if the Commission could accept the applicants borrowing from the 75-250' <br /> zone where little has been used in order to beef up the 250-500' zones. <br /> PAGE 25 of 30 <br />