02/19/2008 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANIVING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,February 19,2008 6:00 o'clock p.m. Teele commented that their landscaping plan will help to make the stairway more obscure and would consist of more native vegetation rather than invasive species. Teele stated the main reason for the request is to make the stairway safer and to allow them access to the lake. Zullo asked what the side setback is from the steps. Teele indicated he does not have the exact figure but that his estimate would be five to seven feet. Gaffron stated it is probably closer to three to four feet. Zullo asked what type of access the adjoining properties have. . Teele indicated one of the neighbors has an above-ground wooden stairway and the other house has what he believes are stone tiered retaining walls within the 0-75 foot zone. Schoenzeit asked whether the applicant has a lighting plan for this project. Teele indicated the lighting they are proposing is low voltage lighting and would basically light the steps up at night. " Zullo asked what the wood wall is located down by the lake. . Teele indicated it is a railroad tie that is located before the riprap that runs along both of his neighbors' property and his property and that he is unsure what the exact purpose of the wall is. • Kempf asked how tall the retaining wall is proposed to be. Teele stated the height of the proposed wall varies but that it does not exceed three feet. Teele indicated it is his understanding the majority of the wall is two feet in height. Teele indicated they are considering erecting a three-foot wrought iron fence that would prevent his kids from accessing the lakeshore and that the original wall depicted on the survey within the 0-75 foot zone is to help make the fence easier to install. Chair Kempf opened the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Kempf closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Kempf stated in his opinion to have a stairway of that length without a landing is a hardship and that a landing offers a place to stop and rest on the way down to the lakeshore. Kempf noted Staff's recommendation concerning the retaining wall is that it should have year-round vegetation,which is not depicted on the applicant's plan. Teele stated they have not decided on the exact vegetation to be planted and that they are willing to comply with Staffls recommendation. Gaffron stated another option would be to plant evergreen trees on the lakeside of the landing. PAGE 9