01-27-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 27, 2003 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. ( #02- 2789/02 -2840 DAHLSTROM DEVELOPMENT LLC, Continued) and this development was not being singled out for the affordable housing payment. As the Council was unclear of the City's role in the housing issue, it was determined that a housing workshop be held to enable the Council to gain a better understanding of the issue, prior to making any decisions about a housing program. Gaffron continued that, during the course of recent discussions with the developer, Dahlstrom indicated that he felt the issue of funding for affordable housing in relation to the Stonebay development had been taken off the table; therefore, there was no funding related to a contribution toward affordable housing built into the financing of the project. Gaffron noted it is staff's recommendation that the Stonebay developer make a contribution toward affordable housing with the following conditions: The developer does not need to make the contribution up -front, with timing of the contribution being worked out between staff and the developer. If the City has not put in place a program to assist the development and preservation of affordable housing within one year, the contribution does not need to be made. • With regard to the latest site layout revisions, Gaffron pointed out two significant changes for the Council to consider: is 1) because it is expected that MCWD will not approve wetland fill for creation of Northwest Lane, the developer is proposing a bridge over a 100' finger of wetland that was originally proposed to be filled 2) because it is expected that MCWD will not approve certain minor wetland buffer encroachments along North Lane, the latest layout shows 3 rambler townhome units encroaching into the required 35' setback from the north boundary of the property Gaffron maintained that the Council must reach a conclusion on whether the setback variances should be granted and whether sufficient vegetative growth exists, or more should be added to protect the separation to the homes in Willow View (which are 300' away). Gaffron pointed out several additional changes that would result from the revised layout including: - The number of units with driveway access to Northwest Lane increases from 19 to 20, while designated on- street parking is reduced from 17 to 6 stalls. PAGE 7 of 28