08-10-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 10, 2009 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. (5. #09 -3418 DENNIS BATTY ON BEHALF OF BROOK INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC, 3421- 3425 SHORELINE DRIVE, Continued) stated as the owner of the property, he will need to make a decision on what he can economically afford to construct. Batty pointed out the property currently does not conform with setbacks and structural coverage. McMillan stated because the building is not compliant currently does not mean that he can maximize the property. Habib stated if his proposal is not approved, it is likely that he would not improve the property at all. Batty noted at one time there was another building that existed in the exact same area where they are proposing one of the additions and that they are looking at whether there are any creative options available to them that would allow them to improve the property and increase the rentability of the structure. Batty commented they have looked at other requirements in other cities and that their proposal generally meets those requirements except for the parking. Batty stated they are requesting the City Council provide some guidance on their expectations for what they would like to see for this site. • Bremer stated she does reside in this area and that she personally would like to see another type of structure there but that she likes the current tenants. Bremer stated the Navarre area needs tenant space that is affordable but in her opinion the structure being proposed is too long. Another issue is the lack of parking in the area. The City must help ensure that sufficient parking is available for the customers of all the businesses in that area and that it is not a good idea to build over all of the space that could be utilized for that purpose. Bremer indicated she would be supportive of a structure between the two buildings and would like to see the trees preserved. Bremer stated ultimately it is up to the architect and Mr. Habib to design something that is suitable for the site which complies with the City's regulations as much as possible. Habib stated it does not make economic sense to do anything less than what is being proposed and that he would like to own this property for the long -term. Habib indicated they elected to go with the longer building because the neighbors have expressed concern with a two -story structure. Habib stated if they construct anything in the middle, they would need to redo all the electrical in the buildings. Bremer asked whether he has received inquiries from any new tenants. Habib stated they did approach Subway and they said yes but that Erik's Bikes declined to lease space. White stated the City Council cannot look at the economic factors when considering an application and that being the property owner he will need to make the decision on what to construct. White stated in his opinion the plan as presently proposed is simply too much for the lot and would typically not be allowed. White stated the plan must be brought more into compliance with the City's regulations, and recommended the applicant look at the site as if it were empty and design something that meets as many • of the City's requirements as possible. PAGE 7