09/19/2005 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE • ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, September 19,2005 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#05-3121 THE NARROWS SALOON,CONTINUED) Sylvia Frank,Architect,indicated the plan is to eliminate the center vestibule completely and to make an emergency exit near the stage. Leslie inquired whether the layout of the doors has been finalized on any of the plans submitted to the City. Frank stated the code does not require those doors to be there and they could be closed off and made into windows. Rahn opened the public hearing. Lois Hudlow, 3438 Lyric Avenue, stated the noise study specifically addresses the south side of the building and that she resides on the north side of the building. Hudlow stated in her opinion a noise study should have been completed as well on the north side,noting her residence overlooks the parking lot. Thomas Lowe, 3295 Carman Road, displayed a transparency depicting the stage and how noise could emanate through the building and exit through the doorway. Lowe expressed a concern that the doors would be left open. Lowe stated the patio slopes down for drainage and that the adjoining neighborhood is located up a hill. Lowe stated in his opinion the fence is too short to block the noise that would be generated from the patio. Lowe stated due to the differences in elevation,the second floor level of a residence in the area would have a straight view of the bar over the fence. Lowe noted if the fence is higher than six feet,the patio would be considered structural coverage and would bring the structural coverage to over 45 percent on the lot,which would require a variance. Lowe stated in his view restrictions on the hours of operations should be placed on this establishment. Lowe expressed a concern that when smokers access the patio through the folding doors,noise could leave the building. Lowe stated in relation to the parking problem,there is a good chance that more parking should be devoted to the park-n-ride in the future due to the rising cost of gas and the increased demand. Lowe noted Gaffron's memo contains six items that the applicant was requested to address, with two items not being addressed. Gaffron noted the City's parking consultant did raise those issues. Lowe stated he finds it curious that the City of Orono has allowed the substandard parking stalls in the municipal parking lot and that the lot should be brought up to code as part of this application. Lowe pointed out the number of parking stalls would be decreased if the stalls were in compliance with the code. PAGE 6