03/15/2004 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, March 15, 2004 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#14. #04-2997 CITY OF ORONO, BIG ISLAND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, VARIANCES—Continued) have constant and total use of right-of-ways. From a safety perspective there is a need for access. Gaffron noted he believes the city should potentially be developing three access points on the island and named them on the map. However, it should be noted that the city doesn't have the dollars to develop them all at the same time so they are proceeding to improve one access at a time. This one has gotten started at the request of more than one neighbor and letters are in the packets applauding the city for trying to get something useful. Gaffron agrees with having more accesses, but the city is limited to what they can afford in a time frame that works. Public member David Lovelace, 220 Big Island explained the access situation on the island and admitted he started the whole access issue and wants all three access sites developed. At the Bay Place location the lake levels comes up various years that makes access difficult. Mr. Lovelace stated he would bear the cost of the gravel with his neighbors. Public member John Uran, 120/140 Big Island who has lived on the island for 30 years asked Lovelace where he is building his house on that property and how close would it be to the access? Lovelace's preference is to have his dock access near to where he will have his cabin or house. He has a covenant restriction with the owner that he purchased the land from. Uran asked Gaffron why the city would fill a wetland at this point to provide access when you have two other places to provide access. He suggested the whole island be surveyed. Lovelace stated he is not asking to fill the wetland. Public member Valerie Walsh, 180 Big Island is located five properties down from property access and didn't receive any public hearing notice. Gaffron stated notices are required to go to residences within 350'. She wants all three accesses developed. Public member Dorothy Parsons agrees with Ms. Walsh. She stated her son carried 20 sheets of plywood up to her home because they don't have road access. She also said the alley next to Parson's home is not accessible. A septic system needs to go in and they need access to the back of the property. Chair Smith suggested this item be tabled and suggested that Greg Gappa meet with all island homeowners to come up with an access plan. She also appreciates homeowners are interested in helping out financially and with letting the commission know what access points would be desirable to them. Public member Parson asked what the city needs from them. Chair Smith responded that having all of tonight's participants make sure they sign in on the attendance form and note that they are Big Island residents so that Greg knows who was here tonight. Page 43 of 48