04/16/2007 Planning Commission Minutes

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NIINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,Apri116,2007 � 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#07-3280 Vogue ICF Homes on behalf of Tom Parker,Continued) approval of the building height variance only if the Commission determines the proposed houses would not be incompatible with the neighborhood. Parker stated he purchased the property at 1348 approximately three years ago and was not aware that he would require as many variances as what became necessary. The home at 1350 was pushed toward the lake when it was constructed. Last year he purchased 1350 Rest Point Circle and he has attempted to come up with a plan that would work well with the lots. Vogstrom stated they have spent a considerable amount of time on their plans and have tried to respect the concerns of the neighbors in developirig a suitable plan for these two lots. Vogstrom demonstrated the location of the existing house,noting that a walkout was created which resulted in the bluff being pushed further back. Vogstrom stated this house would be removed. Vogstrom indicated they are proposing to build the homes approximately 40 feet further back,which . should help the neighbors' view. Vogstrom stated in order to construct a practical house,if they are limited to two and a half stories,it would be very difficult to get three bedrooms in the upper level. They are proposing to construct six-foot high knee walls on the outer walls,which would lower the pitch of the roof down but would still allow them to use most of the space. Chair Kempf opened the public hearing at 9:45 David Boies, 1360 Rest Poirit Circle, stated he has resided in his house since 1986, and that he has a few concerns regarding the proposal. Boies stated the lots are rather small but the applicant is attempting to construct fairly large homes on the lots. City code does allow for a reasonable size house but the proposed homes are out of place with the remaining homes in the neighborhood due to the architecture and size. � Boies stated when someone pays over half a million dollars for a third of an acre that is not buildable, there are some economic considerations that factor into the size of the house being proposed.Boies stated he is not against building on these lots,but that he has a concern with the height variance and the amount of fill that will be necessary to create the swales. Boies noted there are akeady drainage issues in the area. Boies requested additional consideration be given to the adjoining property owners on the drainage. � Boies stated he would request the height variance be denied and that the additional height is being , requested to allow the applicant to recoup his investment. � Boies also requested the area be designated a no parking area during construction since this is only a one lane slreet. Boies submitted a letter from Bill Pinegar, 1347 Rest Point Circle, and pictures depicting the other existing homes in the neighborhood. , PAGE 27