08-14-2006 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 14, 206 7:00 o'clock p.m. ( #06 -3212 Hempel Properties, Continued) McMillan inquired how much additional parking would be required if a second story were added. Wrede stated 62.5 stalls would be required. White inquired what type of retail the developer is considering for this site. Kerznack stated they have a hair salon and a dry-'cleaner and a sandwich shop that have expressed interest. Gaffron expressed a concern regarding the orientation of the office building and the windows. Gaffron stated one of the goals is to lessen bright lights toward the northwest and that screening would be critical. Gaffron indicated he likes the orientation of the retail building and recommended that the majority of the parking be located away from the residential side. Gaffron indicated he does not see parking as an issue given the proposed uses, but recommended limiting the amount of office space that could be converted to retail in the future. • White stated he prefers the office concept rather than a 24 -hour pharmacy for this site and that he would • like to see long -term tenants. White suggested some trees be incorporated in the plan rather than the ponding. White recommended high - efficiency lighting also be incorporated in the plans. Gaffron suggested the Council discuss the concerns raised by the neighbors at the Planning Commission meeting. Gaffron stated he is unsure whether the neighbors have seen the latest revisions but that the comments expressed by the neighbors at the Planning Commission meeting indicated they thought there would be a different type of development for this site than what is being proposed. Moorse indicated he also prefers office space rather than retail space. Moorse expressed concern that there would be a larger turnover of tenants in the retail space and questioned whether the retail portion is necessary. Kerznack stated the office tenants like to have a sandwich shop and other similar service- oriented businesses close by and that the retail is a good compliment to the office component. Kerznack expressed a concern increasing the medical component. Zeming stated it is possible to increase the medical component but that the strategy is to create a neighborhood center that includes medical and retail because they interact with each other. Studies have shown over the years that people who visit the medical facilities also do some retail shopping at the same time and that the two uses compliment each other. McMillan stated one of the constraints to the lot is the right- in/right -out and locating the buildings in relation to that access. McMillan commented in her view the retail portion has not been well thought out. PAGE 22