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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday, September 20,2004 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#04-3051 Kevin and Julie Fitzpatrick, Continued) <br /> indicated he enjoys the closeness of the lots in this neighborhood and would like to maintain the smaller <br /> lots. Olson noted he does not intend to sell his property in the near future. <br /> Mike Shields, 364 West Lake Street, indicated he has met with Kevin Fitzpatrick and tried to reach an <br /> agreement a while back but was unsuccessful. Shields stated over the past 12 years he has invested <br /> money into acquiring several small lots along West Lake and creating larger lots. Shields stated at the <br /> time he purchased his property he was aware of the restrictions of the lot and that other owners of small <br /> lots should learn to live within those restrictions. Shields indicated he does not have a problem with <br /> 50-foot lots,but that he is opposed to having a larger structure closer to his residence. Shields stated he <br /> is not opposed to remodeling the existing structure but that he would prefer not to have to have a <br /> two-story building so close to his lot. <br /> Bob Erickson, 372 West Lake Street, indicated he also is the owner of the lots at 341 and 365 West <br /> Lake Street,which are the two rental properties located on West Lake. Erickson recounted his past <br /> experience in real estate,noting that he has dealt with properties in various cities close to Orono. <br /> Erickson stated the cities located in the western part of the suburbs tend to have larger lots and that the <br /> standard lot in Orono tends to be two acres,which allows for bigger houses and more space between the <br /> houses. <br /> Erickson commented Orono's ordinances and Comprehensive Plan have influenced the type of lifestyle <br /> and housing in this city and that he is happy with the two-acre zoning and the vision that Orono has for <br /> low-density housing. Erickson noted the lot at 341 is made up of three 50-foot lots,with one house <br /> connected to sewer at that location. Erickson stated by combining those three lots it has allowed him to <br /> come closer to the two-acre zoning that is preferred by the City's Comprehensive Plan. <br /> Erickson indicated he is not the only person that has combined lots in this neighborhood and that it <br /> happened extensively prior to him relocating to this area. Erickson noted that he also does not have the <br /> money or intent to acquire the three remaining 50-foot lots in this neighborhood. <br /> Erickson stated his concern with the Fitzpatricks' proposal is that the structure is much larger and higher <br /> than what currently exists,with the lot coverage increasing from 1800 to 2600 square feet, which is <br /> approximately three times what is there at the present time. Erickson stated what currently exists on that <br /> lot is a nonconforming use, and that by approving these variances,the nonconforming use would be <br /> expanded. Erickson stated the proposed size of the structure affects his view and open space. <br /> Erickson stated in his opinion this proposal does not meet any of the 12 criteria for a hardship and that <br /> the applicant could have acquired a larger piece of property on which to construct this residence. <br /> Erickson noted economic factors are not a factor in determining hardship. Erickson indicated the <br /> proposed residence on this 50-foot lot is close to the size of his residence on his lot, a lot which is twice <br /> as big and six times as wide, and is totally out of character with the neighborhood. <br /> Erickson requested the Planning Commission follow the vision and direction given in Orono's <br /> ordinances and Comprehensive Plan. <br /> Rahn inquired whether a lookout facing the lake is still part of this proposal. <br /> PAGE 18 <br />