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 -3081 ZB Construction, Continued) Gaffron requested addresses be given to Staff so Council can visit those condominiums. Zachman noted he did drop off some brochures previously.. Sarisevere inquired whether the length of the building is acceptable to staff. Gaffron noted Council originally approved roughly the length that is being proposed tonight. 'Gaffron stated the view of the building would vary depending on the location you are standing in. Zachman stated they have attempted to break up the front of the building by utilizing different colors of stone and bringing the building out in areas. Sansevere indicated he prefers the L- shaped building versus the two buildings. Murphy indicated he does like the difference in colors but that he thought there would be more variety. Murphy expressed a concern that the number of parking stalls proposed for this project is not adequate and inquired how many people would be in each unit. Zachman stated in their experience 40 percent are empty nesters, one car, totally retired. Another 40 • percent are nearing the retirement stage, no children, and 20 percent typically are single female professionals: Zachman stated four to six stalls could be obtained by shrinking the party area, which would allow them to meet the City's parking requirements, along with seven overflow parking stalls. Gaffron stated the minimum for the site is 112 parking stalls. McMillan stated in her opinion 90 percent of the parking should be underground and that the parking is not acceptable as proposed. McMillan stated in her view there needs to be service and guest parking available. McMillan indicated she also has a concern that the building would not have proper fire access if additional cars were parked on this lot and that the project is not workable given the lack of additional parking. McMillan questioned whether the north end units would be desirable given the distance from the front entrance. Zachman indicated in his experience the north end would be the most sought -after part of the building since it is more isolated. Zachman stated in his view that would be the portion of the building that would be occupied first. McMillan stated in her view another elevator would be more practical. McMillan inquired whether storage areas would be built in. Zachman indicated the inside angle of the building allows for inside cubicle storage on their floor for every resident. Zachman noted the basement also contains storage units. White stated he does like the difference in color but that in his view the parking needs to be increased. • PAGE 20