04/19/2004 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2004 6:00 o'clock p.m. (12. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE ATTENDING COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 22, 2004 AND APRIL 12, 2004—Continued) most of the %2 acre zone so there will probably be an amendment to the moratorium to revise it to exclude any development in the %2 acre zone. Gaffron advised it is the intent to spend a few months establishing some standards, reviewing current City standards and putting new standards in place if deemed necessary. Chair Mabusth asked if the Planning Commission would be involved with this effort. Gaffron indicated that it will be an agenda item at the Planning Commission work session. Berg asked how the moratorium will affect development on Old Crystal Bay Road. Gaffron reported the City Council specifically addressed the issue of accepting applications during the moratorium. It was concluded that no Preliminary Plat approvals or subdivisions will be granted during the moratorium but the City may take Sketch Plan applications. The Sketch Plan application for the site of Old Crystal Bay Road site with 4 units per dry buildable area is set for the May 17, 2004 Planning Commission meeting based on contact with the applicant on April 19, 2004. Berg asked for background on what brought on the moratorium discussion. Gaffron replied that there had been recent observations about the look and density of recent construction projects and this led to more discussions of the need to step back and envision the results of the other areas guided to higher densities. Berg stated discussions about density occurred in the past discussions for guiding higher densities. Rahn asked how many potential properties are covered in the moratorium. Gaffron indicated that about 10—12 properties are guided for the higher densities. Chair Mabusth questioned if there any of the discussions related to Stonebay and what was approved. Berg commented that Stonebay is being developed in phases. Gaffron explained that of the two phases that include the type of units under construction now, the City has approved one and the other is not final plat approved, and the lofts also will return to the Planning Commission for final plat approval. Berg remarked there is an opportunity for Planning Commission input. Jurgens advised that there is an example in Woodbury of affordable housing with a large wetland that may be a model for Orono to examine, noting the land there is as valuable as Orono's but there is just a lot more available. Page 47 of 49