Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 18,2004 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#04-3052 Eric Vogstrom,Continued) <br /> construct a swale between the two properties. Essen stated he agreed to work with Vogstrom on <br /> trimming his trees in an effort to improve Vogstrom's view of the lake. <br /> Essen stated last week Vogstrom had a tree service come in who illegally took down two mature trees <br /> on Essen's property as well as other trees and vegetation on Vogstrom's own property. Essen <br /> indicated based on those actions,he no longer is in support of this proposal until such time as a <br /> restoration plan is approved and the damage has been adequately addressed. <br /> Paul Kaster, 2600 Casco Point Road, stated he is the neighbor to the north and at the last meeting was <br /> in favor of the variance to encroach on the fire lane. Kaster indicated since the applicant has now clear <br /> cut his lot,he would like to withdraw his support of the variance. Kaster stated he now has concerns <br /> regarding erosion since the vegetation has been totally removed. <br /> Vogstrom stated he is in agreement with his two neighbors regarding their concerns and that the tree <br /> company was hired to remove a couple of trees that were dead. Vogstrom apologized to the City and <br /> his neighbors regarding the removal of the vegetation,noting that he was not aware the tree company <br /> was going to remove as much vegetation as they did. Vogstrom indicated he did ask the tree removal <br /> company to contact Staff regarding this incident,but that he accepts full responsibility for the mistake. <br /> Rahn noted the applicant has made some hardcover reductions but that the proposed residence is still <br /> 10 feet from the right-of-way where 15 feet is required. <br /> Vogstrom stated on one side he is 13.5 feet and that the residence can be slid over somewhat to the <br /> south. Vogstrom indicated at the time the plan was drawn up he was trying to protect some trees in <br /> that area and that it was his belief the trees enhanced the lot. <br /> Jurgens noted the Planning Commission should act on this matter tonight given the 60-day time limit. <br /> Jurgens stated in his opinion the hardcover still needs to be reduced further,noting that there are <br /> drainage issues that also have to be dealt with on this lot. <br /> Vogstrom noted the City Engineer had signed off on the drainage issues under his original proposal at <br /> the 58 percent hardcover. Vogstrom stated Staff informed him that the City Engineer did not have any <br /> issues with the drainage. Vogstrom indicated the property at 2800 Peasant Road was approved in mid <br /> August 2002,which is a lot that had a very similar situation where two-thirds of that lot was in the 0- <br /> 75'. Vogstrom noted two-thirds of this lot is also in the 0-75'. Vogstrom stated the Planning <br /> Commission at that time found that while the 25 percent standard is feasible, such a limitation would <br /> result in construction of a residence that would not be in keeping with the character of the <br /> neighborhood and surrounding homes. Vogstrom noted a hardcover variance was allowed in that <br /> instance at 39.2 percent hardcover. <br /> Vogstrom indicated the proposed footprint of his house is approximately 1100 square feet, with a <br /> three-car garage,which is not out of character for this neighborhood and does not constitute a large <br /> house. <br /> PAGE 5 <br />