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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> MONDAY, MAY 17, 2004 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (5. #04-2974 RELIANCE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY,LLP, Continued) <br /> critical landscaping area is behind the buildings because of the existing and under- <br /> construction town homes across Kelley Parkway. The landscape plans were <br /> submitted to Phil Carlson of DSU,Inc. for review and comment. His comments <br /> are attached as Exhibit K and are summarized as follows: <br /> 2. Plans appear to meet the B-6 landscaping requirements. <br /> 3. Irrigation of all landscape areas will be required and must be shown on <br /> final plans. <br /> 4. Performance bond(letter of credit)will be required. <br /> 5. Loading area screening at rear of buildings is adequate but could be <br /> beefed up. <br /> Gaffron pointed out boulevard trees as well as shrubbery,with substantial areas of low berming and <br /> vegetation. He referred to the agenda packet materials containing cross-sectional views to give a sense of what <br /> the neighboring properties to the north will view. <br /> 6. Ground and roof mounted mechanical equipment appears to be <br /> adequately screened. <br /> 7. Parking area island just outside Walgreens entrance doors should be <br /> vegetated(flowers or shrubs)rather than simply concrete. <br /> 8. Add sidewalk connection from Willow/12 intersection to Walgreens <br /> entrance. <br /> Gaffron explained that while there are a number of variable-pavement style connections,Phil Carlson of DSU, <br /> Inc. points out the advantage of having a pedestrian connection that does not force movement across the <br /> Willow entrance but would bring pedestrians across the parking lot in a more direct path. It would result in a <br /> loss of one parking stall to make the pedestrian crossing but parking space calculations are actually+1 parking <br /> space above the requirement. <br /> Gaffron illustrated the additional detail provided regarding screening of trash facilities at the rear of the <br /> buildings shown in Plan Sheet L2.1 and the two Cross-Section Exhibits. He expressed that staff believes the <br /> screening looks adequate but it could be beefed up a bit. <br /> G.Architectural Standards.Applicant has advised that he will work with the City to provide <br /> a face brick color acceptable to all parties. Applicant has provided samples of building exterior <br /> material samples for review and approval, incorporating darker colored brick. Revised <br /> elevations of the two westerly retail buildings have been submitted, and they appear to <br /> incorporate a variety of architectural features in common with the Walgreens building. <br /> 3. Additional Site Plan Elements <br /> A. Pedestrian Access. Gaffron reiterated the recommendation for a more direct designated <br /> pedestrian connection to the Walgreens main entry from the Willow Drive and should be <br /> incorporated into the plans. <br /> B. Vehicle Circulation. Gaffron reported that Sheldon Johnson, Orono's traffic consultant <br /> with Bonestroo and Associates,reviewed the latest revisions and indicated to staff that the <br /> layout is acceptable and that his prior recommendations regarding traffic circulation have <br /> been incorporated into the plans.The right-in,right-out access to Willow has been refined <br /> to meet turning radius standards, and should function adequately. He recommends, and <br /> staff concurs,that signage be installed warning drivers entering the Walgreens drive-thru <br /> from the west to yield to, and watch for, incoming vehicles at the right-in,right-out. <br /> Page 6 of 40 <br />