12-12-2005 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, December 12, 2005 7:00 o'clock p.m. (6. #05 -3131 STEVE BOHL OF BOHLAND DEVELOPMENT, INC., 190 WILLOW DRIVE NOR THAND 177 GLENDALE DRIVE, Continued) Moorse conunented the houses would be slightly higher than the road. Gaffron stated approximately six to eight feet would need to be filled between the cul -de -sac and the houses. Murphy stated in his view the neighborhood would be altered tremendously and that he has a concern that this development will not fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. Bohl stated there are a number of walkout ramblers located along Willow. McMillan inquired why the 15 percent lot coverage is not being followed in this development. Gaffron stated because this is a RPUD, the question becomes what standards should the City require for this development. Gaffron stated one issue is whether the 15 percent would allow marketable houses. Gaffron stated 15 percent of 14,000 square feet is a 2100 square foot footprint that could be a house that is 30' by 70', with a tuck -under garage. White stated one of the concerns with putting large homes on small lots is the impact to the drainage. is Bohl stated in his mind the market is good for a 2,200 to 2,400 square foot walkout in the $800,000 range. • Bohl noted that Willow has both modest homes and larger homes. Peterson pointed out those homes are on larger lots. Bohl stated this site is located in the middle of high density. White stated the City would like to keep the houses within an affordable range. Murphy stated he likes the proposal and the compliance with the Conservation Design. Murphy stated in his opinion the developer has attempted to come up with a design that will fit in with the neighborhood but that he has a concern with the height of the buildings being proposed. Murphy stated the back view of a three -story house, with a deck and flood lights, is not attractive and that in his view the neighbors' view will be impacted. Murphy questioned the amount of fill required to create the walkouts and the need to have some of those issues resolved. Bohl stated the housing farther south on Willow Drive should also be taken into account. Bohl stated if density is a concern, that once Willow Drive becomes more developed, this development will fit in better. Bohl stated in his opinion the appearance of the rear of the homes could be made very nice. White indicated he also has a concern with the appearance of the rear of the residences. Peterson stated she has a concern with the amount of fill that would be required to be hauled in and that the size of the homes should fit the land. Bob] inquired what the alternative housing would be for that area. PAGE 10 of 20