01/18/2005 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,January 18,2005 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#05-3080 Interspace-West,Inc.,Continued) The applicant has submitted proposed exterior finish materials consisting of a light and dark color stucco material, metal grills affixed directly to the facades, and glass, with an all-metal roof. Staff finds that the materials proposed meet the standards established within the B-6 code. Gundlach stated issues for discussion should include the following: 1. Should pedestrian access to Orono Woods and Highway 12 be required. 2. The connection to Outlot D, Sugarwoods, at the northwest corner of the site, also creates a turn-around at the dead-end portion of the parking lot. Because a service road does not currently exist, a variance may be required to allow a parking lot encroachment to the 10-foot setback requirement. 3. Is an open space calculation of 39 percent adequate. 4. Does the architecture proposed have a positive impact on the landscape. Staff is recommending this application be tabled to address the seven items outlined in January 18, 2005 Planner's Report. Gundlach noted a landscape plan, signage plan, and a lighting plan must be submitted. Gundlach indicated should the Planning Commission find all the plans to be acceptable with the exception of the lighting, signage, and landscaping plan, a favorable recommendation to the council could be taken, with the seven stipulations being addressed prior to council review or prior to the final plat application. Gina Carlson addressed the City Council regarding the proposal,noting that they are taking the concept of a townhome and turning it into office townhomes where the person would own the building as well as the ground underneath. Carlson indicated 10 buildings are proposed for this site, with the potential for 10 different owners. Carlson stated the units are clustered in two groups of three and one group of four,with the end units each having their own private stairwell and the other units having a shared stairwell. Carlson indicated the project was designed based on the theory of Feng Shui,which deals with the natural flow of the land. Carlson stated the site is L-shaped with a curved driveway,with the buildings being designed to incorporate the five elements of Feng Shui. Carlson reviewed the proposed design of the buildings,noting that the buildings would consist of stucco, metal, and glass. Carlson stated the back of the site abutting the residential neighborhood would consist of four-foot berm tiers,resulting in a gradual berm, with plantings being proposed for the berm. Rahn asked for public comments. Michael Ricks, 2108 Sugarwood Drive, indicated he did meet with the developers and that they have taken into consideration the residential property abutting the back of this site. Ricks expressed concern PAGE 27