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) Benshoof stated according to City Code,this expansion would require 63 spots. Benshoof stated the greatest demand for parking from this establishment is in the evening hours and that the study demonstrated at peak demand times that the Narrow's Saloon would require less than half of the parking that is available in the area. Benshoof stated in his view this expansion does make sense in terms of the parking. Benshoof reviewed the peak demand times for parking for the Narrow's Saloon and pointed out that their study does account for an increase in the park-n-ride of six parking stalls as well as an increased demand for the Narrow's Saloon. Benshoof stated the demand is below the 129 stalls that are available in the City-owned lot. Benshoof stated it is their conclusion that there is adequate parking to handle the expansion and to accommodate the future needs of parking in this area. Bremer inquired whether the size of the current parking stalls would have any impact on their study. Benshoof noted that was an item that was included in Staff's initial report but was not addressed in this study since it tends to be a city-issue, and if the city has concerns about the layout of the parking lot,the city should investigate that issue. Benshoof stated it was their approach to count the number of available stalls and that he did not notice anything so contrary to standards that would render the parking lot nonfunctional. Winkey questioned whether the adequacy of the lot should be addressed based on what the code requires. Benshoof stated it is typical to base a study like this on the number of lots that are configured. Winkey stated a new parking lot would be required to conform with the City's requirements and that perhaps this lot should be required to meet those same standards as part of the parking study. Benshoof stated he based his study on the number of existing parking stalls and that he did not see anything that would make the lot nonfunctional or hazardous. Rahn stated if the City decides to restripe the parking lot in the future,there would be fewer parking stalls available. Benshoof stated if the layout of the lot is studied,the parking spaces may increase or decrease and would require a separate study. Leslie inquired whether there has been a higher rate of incidents in this lot compared to other lots related to its nonconforming striping. Sergeant Erickson stated he is not aware of any problems having occurred in the lot. PAGE 9