05/16/2006 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,May 15,2006 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#06-3192 WILLIAM AND MARY TITLER,CONTINUED) Mr. Titler indicated they have a large number of family members who routinely visit them on the weekends. They placed the turn-around neaz the street so visitors can turn around and back down the driveway. If they placed it where Staff recommended,visitors would have to back into North Shore Drive. Title indicated they plan to use the stall closest to the house for the lawn mower,bikes, etc., and they will use the apron in front of that stall as a back-up area. Titler indicated they have taken great care to study the previous minutes of the Planning Commission and that they did conduct research prior to purchasing the property to ascertain what would be required on this property. Rahn opened the public hearing at 6:59 p.m. There were no public comments. Rahn closed the public hearing at 6:59 p.m. Bremer commented she is in favor of the proposal. Kempf noted the neighbor to the east is going to have essentially a view of a very long,unbroken wall. Titler stated they have designed a number of jogs in the house. Kempf stated he would like to see a landscaping plan submitted illustrating the use of plantings to help break up that wall. Mr.Titler stated there are actually some very large trees near the property line and that they are planning on doing some landscaping. Kempf inquired whether the applicants would be willing to submit a landscape plan. Mrs.Titler inquired whether they could also change the type of siding in certain areas to also break up the wall. Titler indicated they are working with an architect and that they are willing to take steps to help break up that wall. Titler requested they not be required to submit a formal landscape plan due to the expense involved. Titler indicated they are willing to do some landscaping but that they would prefer not to spend the money to have a formal landscaping plan drawn up and instead they would have the landscaper pick materials just before planting after the house was constructed. Titler stated they are working with the architect to help soften the structure all the way around. Jurgens stated in his view the applicants are changing the essential character of the area by creating this long wall and that screening of the wall is necessary. Jurgens stated in his mind different types of siding � do not negate the need for landscaping and that he would also like to see a landscape plan submitted. PAGE 8