12-12-2005 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, December 12, 2005 • 7:00 G clock p.m. (8. #05 -3152 BOHLAND DETVELOPAIENT ONBEHALF OF JAMES D. MACKINNON, ET AL, "3500" WATERTOWNROAD, Continued) Bohl stated in his opinion the Watershed District's comments would be important in this application. Dick Kroeger, 65 Stubbs Bay Road North, inquired why not four lots could be created rather than six. Jun Mackimion, Applicant, stated this application came in under the existing ordinances and that a plan was presented proposing six lots with no variances. Mackinnon indicated the City requested this process and that in his opinion he is entitled to six lots. Peterson stated Mackinnon is referring to the Rural Oasis. White stated the Rural Oasis deals with the view of a development. Murphy stated one of the issues they are exploring'in Orono is how to avoid a cookie cutter approach to land development. Murphy stated the applicant could have gone ahead and developed six lots, but that the City recommended that the developer consider the requirements of the Rural Oasis Plan that was recently adopted by the City. Gaffron stated the Council has discussed a number of concerns, but pointed out that the proposed houses do not have back yards, which might create issues in the future such as additional retaining walls and • grading. ,I Murphy inquired what the definition of a back yard) is. Gaffron stated every lot within this development has a drop off area and that retaining walls are required to create a back yard. Gaffron stated on Lot 3 a 10 to 12 -foot high retaining wall would be required. Gaffron indicated with the lots on the west side of the road, there is a swale located directly behind the houses and that probably is not an ideal situation. Murphy stated for discussion purposes the Council; should assume that not everybody wants a back yard. Gaffron recommended that covenants be in place outlining the City's vision for this area. u Bohl stated they would be doing site grading as each individual pad is designed. Bohl indicated there are ways that the first floor elevation does not need to be above the street level but that it is recommended to help insure proper drainage. Bohl stated on larger lots they are able to place a house three to four feet lower than the road and that the larger lots allow them to custom fit the house onto the lot. Bohl stated the conservation easements do make Mackinnon stated typically you do not use your b and that in his view the children would utilize the to maintain the tree buffer. yard on larger yards the way you do on a city lot It yard given the topography of the area. Murphy recommended the City have restrictive covenants for this area to help preserve the existing • topography. Bohl conunented that perhaps the amount of grading could be restricted somewhat. �I PAG1 15 of 20