12-14-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, December 14, 2009 _ 6:30 o'clock p.m. (5. #09 -3418 DENNIS BATTY ON BEHALF OF IRFAN HABIB, 3421 -3425 SHORELINE DRIVE, Continued) Curtis stated to her knowledge that issue can be resolved. Batty stated their basic goals were to reduce the number of variances that were being requested wherever possible. The two options attempt to give the Council a view of what could be done on the site. One of the issues discussed previously was the removal of trees. Batty indicated it is not their intention to remove any trees except for some scrub brush and replace it with some nicer landscaping. Batty indicated the size of the addition has been reduced, which has resulted in less parking being required. Scheme 8 has more required parking than Scheme 9. Murphy asked whether dividing the lot would address the parking issue. Curtis stated they would still be short on the required parking. Murphy stated he is interested in the two lot concept but that it is still his feeling the applicant is proposing too much for the site. Murphy expressed a concern that it would have a negative impact on the flow of traffic in the area. Bremer stated from her perspective she prefers Scheme 8 rather than Scheme 9 given the additional parking and the design of the building. Bremer recommended the sight lines be maintained on the corner to help with traffic flow. Bremer asked what the seating area is. Batty stated they are looking at creating some type of streetscape possibly. Bremer stated she would like to know what the visibility will be from the lake of this structure. White commented that if you are out in a boat, it is unlikely you will see the majority of the building, but that in his view the height of the structure should be limited to two stories. McMillan stated she does have a concern with changing the zoning in this area and that she would like to know what the possible ramifications of the zoning change would be to the area. Curtis noted Staff is not proposing to approve the change in zoning tonight. Batty pointed out there are some code advantages to having some type of separation between the two buildings. Franchot stated in his view the applicants have made a good effort to address the concerns raised by the City Council and that perhaps the next step would be to do a traffic study to determine what type of impact this proposal would have on the area. Franchot indicated he is not as concerned with the parking given the fact that the NAPA Store has a very small retail area. Batty indicated they would like to have retail on the main floor and probably office tenants on the second floor. Batty stated there would be an interior lobby with an elevator but that they have not started designing the interior of the building. Page 5 of 17