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. (#3. #04-2974 RELIANCE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, "STONEBAY MARKETPLACE", NORTHWEST QUADRANT HIGHWAY 12/WILLOW DRIVE [OUTLOT A, STONEBAY" COMMERCIAL SITE PLAN REVIEW, REZONING, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT, AND SUBDIVISION-Continued) retail intersection. In talking about what serves the residents' immediate needs, office space brings people from out of the area to this site. Mr. Trask feels the current site plan being worked on is looking at all the criteria, including having the site face "in", and to try and find ways to incorporate pond aesthetics can be accomplished. In regards to signing tenants, can't move forward to accomplish until the uses are decided. The neighborhood of Stone Bay does support concept and uses proposed at this site. Mr. Trautz also felt they were at a positive place five months ago. Chair Smith stated that the applicant has been extraordinarily patient with the commission over the last five months. When a Comp Plan is put in place, members feel being rushed may feel like years instead of months when considering making a fairly large comprehensive change. In regards to reviewing the list of approved uses (Exhibit G), Mabusth voiced a concern over approving item#21 "Retail food of all varieties and home supplies"that might include restaurants. Gaffron explained that restaurants would be covered under a CUP list. Retail foods would apply to Walgreen's that will sell some retail foods. The question is at what level that store becomes a grocery store and is there some limitation you would like to put on it. The Commission determined that#21 would stay on the list. Mabusth suggested a disclaimer to say they couldn't have a drive up window. Gaffron said that the Conditional Use list would be amended and say that any of the uses that are permitted retail and service business uses as well as B-6 permitted uses, if it's a drive-through it's a CUP. Commission recommends applicant go before council, get a conclusion on the Comp Plan amendment, then come back to Planning Commission with a revised site plan, if necessary. Bremer stated, and the entire Commission agreed, that Exhibit G is the compilation of uses for the council to review with the CUP disclaimer addition. The Commission agreed that all points in the letter of March 1 clearly stated the Commission's desires. No formal motion needed at this time, given the clear direction of the polling. No formal minutes from the Long Lake joint meeting were taken. Page 7 of 48