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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 /> Rahn suggested addressing the seven bullet points contained in staff's report. Rahn noted Item No. 1 <br /> deal with the acceptability of the building expansion and the attachment of the central core. Rahn <br /> stated he understands the visual impact from the different angles but that he has a concern about <br /> increasing the size of the structure. <br /> Jurgens noted the bulk of what is being filled in within the units is not amenities but rather just an <br /> increase in the size of the units. Jurgens stated he would like a breakdown of the amenities being <br /> added and the increase in the size of the units. <br /> Johnston stated there is a letter to Gaffron dated September 21st that addresses the amenities and the <br /> size of the units. Johnston stated some of the units were increased but there were also a number of <br /> mid-size units that were added. Johnston pointed out the width of the hallway has also been <br /> increased. <br /> Jurgens reiterated he would like to see a breakdown between the amenities added and the increased <br /> size of the units. <br /> Villard stated in his opinion the breakdown between the two is probably 50/50. <br /> Jurgens stated another comment he would like to make regarding this application is that the west end <br /> of the building was originally proposed at two stories, and that he would prefer to see the west end of <br /> the building again reduced to two stories, which would help to balance the building. <br /> Villard stated once you start reducing things in one section of the building,the rest of the building <br /> would also be impacted. Villard stated issues regarding egress and ingress would have to be re- <br /> evaluated. Villard indicated the number of units was not decreased due to financial considerations. <br /> Leslie inquired whether the increased value of the units and added amenities would allow for a <br /> reduction in the number of units. <br /> Johnston stated the cost to construct the units has increased with the amenities being added. <br /> Leslie stated in his opinion if economics are the driving force for the amenities,the economics would <br /> become more favorable with fewer units. <br /> Villard stated the size of the units help offset the cost of the amenities that are being added and not as <br /> many amenities could be added if the number of units is decreased. Villard stated they also do not <br /> want to compete with the ramblers and the two-story residential structures constructed within the same <br /> development. <br /> Bremer commented in her view the amenities will help to sell the units,but she has a concern with the <br /> visual impact of the proposed building. Bremer indicated she was not aware of the underground <br /> parking being connected between the two buildings and the potential issues associated with having the <br /> area above the underground parking being open space. Bremer noted the stepping down of the <br /> PAGE 38 <br />