11-19-2007 Planning Commission Packet

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. i . Because varied enclosure is a combination of the enclosures discussed in Case Studies #1, #2, and #3, impacts from development on varied enclosure are similar to those discussed above. In particulaz, areas of open enclosure may provide unwanted views of new residential and industrial/commercial land uses. Other areas, where the enclosure is edged or tunneled, may suffer from degradation of vegetation quality. To mitigate such � threats, varied enclosure requires the combination of standards to require the screening of non-rural uses where necessary and preserve and enhance roadside vegetation. • Corridor Study Conclusions . .. . - _ . . . Analyzing the characteristics of 10 corridors allowed the consultants to determine the essential attributes and potential threats to the rural character in the City of Orono. A general assessment of the Corridor Study revealed that views from the road, types of roadside development, and corridor enclosure are the most important factors in determining the rural character of a corridor. Through this process, threats to rural character (specifically to enclosure) were identified. These threats (discussed in Case Studies#1 -#4) include: : • Views of"non-rural"land uses: (i.e. new residential, industrial, commercial). • Degradation of natural viewsheds. • Low quality roadside vegetation. , _ • Removal of vegetative buffers and roadside vegetation. The Corridor Study also provided initial mitigation strategies to counteract the effects of the above threats and to promote the objectives of Goal #2, the preservation of the city's ntral character. These remedies include: � • Preservation/enhancement of riatural viewsheds. � Screening of non-rural land uses. • Land use controls to ensure development placement or screening. • Corridor guidelines to preserve and enhance vegetation. • Preservation/enhancement of vegetative buffers. • Corridor guidelines to ensure that adjacent development preserves key buffers. Development Site Analysis and Concept Site Design To promote development that will fulfill both Goals #1 and #2 by retaining and improving the rural and environmental identity of Orono, it is�important to assess potential development in an aesthetic and ecological context. The Corridor Study established a surveying technique for aesthetic resources in the community, particularly in regards to rural character. Next, it was important to incorporate ecological factors related to the environmental health of the community into the analysis. A comprehensive City of Orono DSU, Inc Draft CPA 12 August, 2005