10-11-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 11, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. (Extension of Moratorium, Continued) • Gaffron stated the Council has tried to determine what process should be gone through, which has been accomplished by hiring a consultant and creating a vision for this area. Gaffron noted it took the Council approximately two to three months prior to the hiring of a consultant before the Council was able to focus on the real issues that need to be addressed. Gaffron noted Mr. James was provided with a copy of Shardlow's proposal. Sansevere commented prior to being elected to the Council, he had no idea of the timetable that the average resident goes through before obtaining approval and that the process can be frustrating at times. James stated he has attempted to do what he could to facilitate what he has been told the City envisions for this property. Sansevere inquired whether a small grocery store could be constructed on the lot off of Willow and Highway 12. James indicated he originally looked at the lot off of Highway 12 and Willow but that the property had issues with high water table and bad soils that would preclude any large footprint building. James stated he had envisioned building a high quality development on this property that could be identified as the center of town and provide essential services to the residents of this area. James commented he was not given the opportunity to discuss his proposal or be able to pursue it. Murphy stated he personally was not aware of Mr. James until he became a council member and that this • situation is not personal. James indicated he is very comfortable with his reputation in this town. Murphy indicated he is aware that the big box retail was discussed with the merger between Orono and Long Lake, but that the reason the Council requested a moratorium was to give the City an opportunity to step back and analyze the particular housing being proposed for certain sections of the City. Murphy indicated a number of discussions have been held regarding affordable housing in Orono and other cities. Murphy stated he is not convinced affordable housing is workable in Orono and that the City is not in a position to subsidize affordable housing given the population of the City. Murphy stated the third reason for the moratorium is to allow the City time to determine the density the City would like to see in this area and ways in which the rural character of Orono can be maintained. Murphy stated another issue before the City is the turn-back of old Highway 12. Murphy stated the City is four months into a three -year piece of work, with the City having held three public hearings concerning the construction and the vision for the new corridor. Murphy stated these meetings were well publicized, but noted that very few residents showed up at the hearings. Murphy commented the construction of the new Highway 12 corridor gives the City a one -time opportunity to take a close look at the vision for this area. James stated he also enjoys the rural area of Orono, but that a sewer and water main sits in front of this property that provides an opportunity to hook into existing services. James commented that he does not see development spreading to other parts of the city simply because this property might be developed • PAGE 4