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MINUTES OF THE <br /> • <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 18,2004 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#04-3062 John Terrance Homes, Continued) <br /> remains basically the same, with the L-shaped building being screened somewhat by the other <br /> buildings in the area. <br /> Johnston stated there have been a number of discussions regarding the height of the building,with the <br /> original concept being a height of 1016.5' and with the approved height being 1020'. Johnston stated <br /> due to drainage issues,the height of the basement needs to be at 1020' based on recommendations <br /> from the City Engineer. The original plan also called for front porches,which has been modified to <br /> allow for the grade of the parking lot to essentially come up to the patio grade. Johnston indicated the <br /> building should have a very similar height-appearance from the sidewalk level, with the peak of the <br /> building being increased mainly due to the ceiling heights being increased and the need to raise the <br /> building to address water issues on the lot. <br /> Johnston noted he does not have any concerns with the recommendations of the City Engineer and that <br /> those changes will be incorporated into the plan. <br /> Peter Villard,Architect, addressed the Planning Commission concerning the steps he took in <br /> redesigning this building. Villard noted he was faced with designing a building on an existing pad, <br /> which presented a number of challenges as well as issues relating to subsurface water issues that <br /> required the building to be raised. <br /> Villard stated the two buildings were combined essentially to improve the marketability of the units <br /> and to allow for more amenity choices and flexibility in price. Villard indicated the size of the units <br /> was increased to accommodate some of the amenities that were not included in the original proposal. <br /> Villard pointed out each unit will have their own laundry room, underground parking stalls, a storage <br /> area, and without these types of amenities,the marketability of the unit would be greatly diminished. <br /> In addition,a number of community amenities have been added, including a business center, family <br /> dining room, activities and craft rooms, a library and an exercise room. Villard noted these amenities <br /> were largely added to the central core proposed between the two buildings, and as a result of the <br /> central core,the two buildings became one building. <br /> Villard stated in an effort to minimize the visual impact of the building, different color textures and <br /> siding were incorporated as well as the addition of dormers and balconies to break up the building <br /> somewhat. Villard noted the main entry is clearly defined by the cupola,with the rest of the building <br /> having its own identity. <br /> Villard displayed the building materials that are being proposed for the building. Villard noted the <br /> shingles for the building have been changed to a neutral gray color, with different styles of siding and <br /> color shades being utilized on various elements of the building to make the building more attractive. <br /> Villard indicated he recommended eliminating the plaza due to the maintenance issues associated with <br /> that type of structure. <br /> Rahn inquired whether any consideration was given to reducing the number of units in an effort to <br /> avoid the need for one long building. Rahn noted the west end of the building was originally stepped <br /> down one floor to reduce the massing and this plan is now increasing the mass. <br /> PAGE 37 <br />