02-14-2005 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 14, 2005 7:00 o'clock p.m. • ( #05 -3080 Interspace West, Continued) Carlson stated the back of the site abutting the residential neighborhood would consist of four -foot berm tiers, resulting in a gradual berm, with plantings being proposed for the berm. McMillan inquired how close the nearest house would be. Carlson indicated it would be approximately 200 feet. Carlson stated the monument sign would consist of rock built into a metal grid 19 feet in length and five feet in height for a total of 190 square feet. Philip Carlson addressed the City Council regarding the market analysis conducted by Interspace -West, which shows a need for office space in this area. Carlson stated in their view a project -of this type can be successful in the Orono/Long Lake area based on the lack of office space currently available as well as the fact that there is not presently office space under construction. Carlson noted the office /condo market has expanded in recent years and is a hot real estate trend, with the least amount of office /condos being located in the west metro area. Carlson stated there is a market for affordable office space located closer to people's residences. Carlson stated in their view this project would be successful based on the fact that this is the least invasive on the residential neighborhood because of the concept of Feng Shui. Carlson pointed out no headlights would go into the woods since they are proposing walkouts. In addition, other factors contributing to the success of this project include the following: blocked parking and blocked traffic noise, a limited number of units with exposure to the woods, the woods act as a natural buffer, retaining wall and plantings create an additional buffer, buildings have residential "European" look, buildings are "high -end" office, and local demographic analysis and market analysis indicate a need for this kind and size of office condo in Orono. Sansevere raised a concern that the European look does not really fit in with the rest of Orono and may be inappropriate for the Highway 12 corridor since they are attempting to blend in the various projects. Murphy stated he is in agreement with Sansevere and that the European look may not be ideal for this area. Marilyn Mileusnic, 2110 Sugarwood Drive, stated she would like to have something more traditional looking in this area, noting that this development would be visible from her residence. Mileusnic stated she would also like to know more about the proposed landscaping for this area. Gina Carlson stated the landscaping plan would be presented to the general public in the near future. Sansevere inquired whether the applicant is concerned that this project would not blend in with the other types of development in this area. Gina Carlson stated the buildings would be screened and clustered to allow for integration with nature, and that in her view there can be a mix of traditional and more modern looking structures in this area. • PAGE 14