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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 18,2004 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#04-3063 WJM Properties,Continued) <br /> Johnson noted the lumen study shows that the amount of lumens on the ground with 1000-watt <br /> fixtures drops to below .2 in almost every case with the downcast lighting versus the outcast lighting. <br /> Johnson indicated in essence what that means is that the outer edges of the parking lot now have a lot <br /> of shadows and very little light. Johnson stated their conditional use permit allows for 250 new <br /> vehicles to be stored in the parking lot and their insurance company has expressed a concern that the <br /> site should be better lit to protect the vehicles on the lot and the personnel that would be on site after <br /> the sun has set,particularly in the wintertime. <br /> Johnson stated the lighting that is being proposed is situated between the building and a seven-acre <br /> drainage pond and the golf dome on the other side. Johnson stated in his opinion the additional <br /> lighting would not affect other property owners in the area. Johnson indicated he is willing to provide <br /> a letter from the insurance company concerning the lighting. <br /> Johnson stated they also explored the possibility of installing more fixtures at a lower elevation,but <br /> concluded that there would be too many interruptions in traffic flow and more obstacles for cars to <br /> avoid as they drive around the parking lot. Johnson stated the 25' poles in his opinion is a good <br /> compromise to achieve the additional lighting as well as reduce the number of obstacles in the parking <br /> lot itself. Johnson pointed out the approved lighting is located along the second row of parking away <br /> from the building and that the new lighting is situated between that lighting and the building and not <br /> along the perimeter of the lot. <br /> Rahn inquired whether there were any public comments relating to this application. <br /> There were no public comments. <br /> Rahn noted car dealerships are not allowed in Orono, and that his greatest concern with this <br /> application is that it started out as a conditional use permit and that the lighting has increased from <br /> four to 12. Rahn stated he does not want this property to slowly turn into a car dealership. Rahn <br /> stated if the lighting is shielded,the lighting might be a non-issue. <br /> Johnson stated the berm has been constructed,with the existing trees between the highway and the <br /> parking lot being preserved. Johnson stated a five-foot high opaque fence has also been added. <br /> Rahn inquired whether the change in lighting is being driven by the insurance company. <br /> Johnson stated it is driven by the concern for the property that will remain in the lot all night and the <br /> personnel that will be on the site. <br /> Bremer suggested the list of items outlined on page three be gone through by the applicant. <br /> PAGE 31 <br />