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) Karl Berg, 2112 Sugarwood Drive, stated he has spoken with the applicants and that a lot of thought has gone into this project. Berg stated in his view the area is hard to landscape due to the low area that currently exists and that any type of structure constructed on this site would appear to be imposing. Berg stated he likes the concept but does not like the appearance of the project. Kaplan stated he would like to see a resolution drafted that approves the general concept of the building clusters, the proposed parking, and the general concept of the office condo development, with the applicant being given the opportunity to come back before the City with a different proposal for the appearance of the buildings. Sansevere stated he would like to visualize the building prior to approval. Gaffron stated in Staff's view this project is totally different than what was originally approved. Gaffron noted this is a PUD process, and that once approval is given to the preliminary concept plan, it is similar to the preliminary plat approval. Gaffron stated the issue tonight is whether the applicant has been given enough direction to be able to redesign the project into something that the council is willing to approve. Jacqueline Ricks, 2108 Sugarwood Drive, stated she has concerns regarding the drainage in the northeast corner of the site, which is located at the bottom of the hill. Ricks indicated she would like to know . whether that area would be filled in or how the runoff would work in this area. Murphy stated the concept in his mind is the clustering, the parking, the water flow, but that the European look is not ideal for. this area. Murphy noted the City has spent considerable time and money trying to determine what best would be suited for this area in order to maintain the rural character of Orono. Carlson stated in her opinion she would be able to redesign the roofline and siding to better meet the appearance that the City would like for this area. Carlson requested the Council approve the general concept of the project. Murphy commented he approves of the overall concept but that he is opposed to the appearance of the buildings. Peterson suggested effort also be put into developing formal landscaping and lighting plans for this project. Moorse noted the proposed buildings are two and a half stories, which probably would remain regardless if the roofline is changed. Moorse stated if the Council approves the concept, they would be approving the two and a half story building with the walkout. Murphy stated in his view he would like to see the half -story eliminated and the buildings restricted to two stories. Sansevere indicated he would prefer this application be tabled. PAGE 16 •