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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,January 18,2005 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#05-3081 ZB Construction, Continued) <br /> Rahn commented he likes the stepped roof and the steepness of the roofs,but that he has a concern with <br /> the length of the building. Rahn noted the original concept plan had less square footage proposed than <br /> this proposal and that the applicant needs to consider reducing the number of units in order to keep the <br /> amount of square footage down to what was originally approved. <br /> Johnston inquired what the length of the senior housing building is. <br /> Gaffron stated that it is close to 500 feet. <br /> Rahn noted that the City did receive a number of phone calls regarding the size of that structure. <br /> Leslie stated he understands the need to make it one building given the issues related to constructing two <br /> buildings on this site. Leslie stated in his opinion the number of units could be reduced in an effort to <br /> reduce the massing. Leslie noted the City had approved the building at a certain square footage and not a <br /> number of units. <br /> Zachman stated due to the location of the building and street, it would be difficult to get a direct view of <br /> the building. Zachman noted there would be commercial development across the street. <br /> Leslie pointed out the homeowners located behind this structure would be able to see the full length of the <br /> building. <br /> Zachman stated the L-shape design of the building will help break up the view and that only one end <br /> should be visible. <br /> Heller stated the Public Works Department would have the most direct view of the building and that in his <br /> opinion this structure should not be that visible from Willow Drive. <br /> Fritzler indicated he is in agreement with Commissioner Leslie's comments concerning the size of the <br /> structure and that there should be a reduction in the size of the units. <br /> Bremer commented she prefers the nine-foot ceilings and that she does not have an issue with the increase <br /> in height as a result of the raised ceilings. Bremer indicated in her view the building would be more <br /> visually attractive with the taller roofs,but that she has a concern with the size of the one building. <br /> Bremer encouraged the developer to reduce the size of the building. <br /> Rahn stated he would like the size of the building reduced to the amount of square footage that was <br /> originally approved. Rahn inquired whether any outdoor amenities are being proposed. <br /> Johnston stated they have looked at some outdoor amenities but have decided not to include them due to <br /> the maintenance issues associated with a pool and the close proximity of tennis courts to this site. <br /> Johnston indicated in his opinion this proposal is a better looking plan and noted that one unit was <br /> removed from the previous proposal. <br /> PAGE 37 <br />