04-21-2004 Council Minutes Local Board of Appeals & Equalization

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO LOCAL BOARD OF APPEALS AND EQUALIZATION MEETING Wednesday, April 21, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. Mr. Kielley stated he had two points to make and was willing to meet with the assessors to discuss • them. He pointed out the property is close to the intersection of CR 19 near 51 which is a heavily used road as well as the attendant traffic noises at the stop signs. He explained the road is dangerous and described that when he walks his dog their experience is that the traffic is often faster than the posted 35 mph. Also, it is dangerous because of a bend in the road and limited visibility. Mr. Kielley's second point relates to the house that was a cottage with three side porches of 1920's construction. In 1996 they did some extensive first floor remodeling and after that went to have similar work done on the second floor but were told that due to foundation problems, a steel superstructure over the first floor like a `cover' would have to be built for a second story. A visit to the basement would show the foundation issues. Davy confirmed the assessors would contact Mr. Kielley to view the property and house. 3) Gail Blackstone, 4475 Forest Lake Landing, PID #07- 117 -23 24 0023, 07- 117 -23 24 0024 Ms. Blackstone explained that last year the property value for this property went up very significantly on the two parcels at this address: 47.2% for PID #07- 117 -23 24 0023 and 28.6% for PID #07 -117- 23 24 0024. She called the assessors office at that time and ultimately decided not to come to the 2003 Board of Appeals and Equalization Meeting for a variety of reasons, including that values needed to move to reflect the value of the land. Ms. Blackstone expected an increase for 2004 to reflect the reasonable proportion for this category of • property. The increase in PID #07- 117 -23 24 0023 is 10.5% but the concern she has is over the 35.2% increase on PID #07-117-23 24 0024. She stated she does not understand this year why the one parcel increased over another 35 %. Ms. Blackstone advised she did call the assessors but was unsatisfied with the response. Mayor Peterson asked if the assessors had visited the property. Davy indicated this is a land issue and he did drive by the property and reviewed some of that area's land values. He stated that some of the land values are increasing quite astonishingly but the percentages are sound. Davy reported the 2003 land value was $86,000 and for 2004 is $95,000 on PID #07- 117 -23 04 0023 and the 2003 land value was $52,000 and for 2004 is $71,000 on PID # -07- 117-23 04 0024, both being similar in size. Davy advised that the two parcels together form a buildable site with a combined value of $155,000. He reported that the next door property is valued at $155,000, too, and looking at other properties and what they have sold for over the past few years has led to making some pretty significant adjustments for this property. White asked if the site was truly buildable. Ms. Blackstone described the property as being quite sloped both lengthwise and towards the streets but it does have a tiny cabin on it which would need to be demolished before any building could occur, and would also involve extensive site grading. She repeated that she understood last year • when the increases occurred to adjust for sales but did not expect a huge adjustment to happen two years in a row. Page 4 of 11