05-29-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 29, 2001 • ( #01 -2676 Bay-wind Christian Church, Continued) Sansevere stated in his opinion a special meeting of the Planning Commission should be attempted. Nygard indicated he was present at the Planning Commission meeting, with the majority of the discussion centering around what the issues would be if a church were located within the B -4 district. Nygard stated he did not really hear any negative comments or any reason not to allow it within this zone and were close to reaching a decision in his opinion. Nygard commented he does not know if it would be necessary to have the Planning Commission review it further since he did not hear any negative comments about the church being added to the B -4 District. Bill Stoddard, Planning Commission Representative, stated it was his feeling that the application would have been tabled that night in order to allow Staff to gather more information regarding why churches were excluded from the B -4 District initially and what the requirements for churches are in the "R" District. Stoddard indicated parking and traffic on County Road 19 were also issues that were raised. Sansevere inquired whether there is a reason why churches are not allowed in the B -4 District. White stated he is opposed to allowing churches in the B -4 District since it reduces the City's commercial zone, which only comprises 2 percent of Orono. White stated he would like to have the input of the Planning Commission. White inquired whether a stipulation could be included • that once the church is no longer a church it reverts back to a regular B -4 District. White commented in his view this may open the door to allowing churches in all the commercial districts. Flint stated the issue before them tonight is whether this application should be heard at the June I Ith Council meeting. Flint indicated he would prefer this application be fully reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to it proceeding to the Council and would be in favor of a special Planning Commission meeting. Flint inquired Nvhy churches were excluded from the B -4 District when schools, libraries, galleries, and restaurants are allowed. Mayor Peterson stated in her view this item should be reviewed by the Council on the 11`h and that it would be beneficial if a special meeting could be held. Gaffron stated in his view it will be difficult to get the Planning Commission together prior to the 11`h. Gaffron indicated the draft minutes of the Planning Commission did give some idea of what was discussed at the meeting. Wells stated the church's mission is education and that it could be argued that it is an educational institution with a church attached. Wells stated they are attempting to provide for the needs of the congregation and have tried in the past to purchase the Grace Baptist Church with no success. Wells stated they would like to be a part of this community, with the character of churches changing over the years. Stoddard stated he requested the church look into the building code requirements to see whether this existing structure would meet their needs and whether major structural changes would be necessary-. PAGE 14