04-12-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 12, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. • (20. STUD YREGARDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS —ORDINANCE NO. 7, 3RD SERIES, continued) should improve and shorten the application process rather than having a Sketch Plan preceding the moratorium and its study. McMillan echoed Acting Mayor White's comments about the Stonebay development creating a lot of issues as it is being built out. She concluded that the City does not have a grasp of the higher density issue and its effects, and recommended that the moratorium be imposed but for only six months. Murphy expressed his position that the City does need time to conduct a research study, re -group itself and develop a `pecking order' with staff, the Planning Commission and the City Council. He concurred that six months should be the maximum amount of time of a moratorium. Murphy described the impact of seeing Stonebay under construction and asked if this is really the anticipated result the City envisioned. He asked the developers present if it was worth it, in the interest of collaboration, to run a dual process while the City takes time for the study. Mr. Johnston responded favorably because it may help the developers shape things a little more but the developers could also step back fully, allow the City time to conduct the study, and respond when it is completed. He explained that their plan is for 3.9 units /acre, detached, single family homes that are not affordable according to Metropolitan Council price ranges, and have followed the process to • the letter by bringing in the Sketch Plan next week. He further advised that for their project to meet Metropolitan Council affordability price ranges and for a reasonable rate of return for Mr. James and a reasonable sale price, the project had to be designed for 12 -14 units /acre. He observed that he did not think this density would be approved in Orono. Mr. Johnston concluded by stating that they would appreciate the City's feed -back but that he has a concern that regardless of what they design there will be difficulties for the City Council in relation to higher density sites. Acting Mayor White and Sansevere responded saying they relate to the higher density sites from personal experience. Sansevere stated that he is supportive of staff and will continue to be, but emphasized that a collaborative process could stream -line things for the developer particularly if the staff takes this time to determine what is best for the City, as well as beneficial to the developer, thereby avoiding a long, drawn -out process. Gaffron agreed that there is a benefit to the collaborative process with the developers submitting plans for the City to react to; this may force the City to keep moving forward. Murphy reiterated his position in favor of taking time under a moratorium to force the City to look at what the process has been and to improve it. Mr. Stokes expressed his interest in bringing the right product into Orono that meets the community's • needs. He predicted that, to the extent of working with staff through a collaborative process, it may shorten the time period needed to receive their approvals after the moratorium and that they would be willing to work with staff and with Mr. James' approval. Page 17 of 20