05-10-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 10, 2010 • 7:00 o clock p.m. (10. ORONO 2010 -2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Continued) residential property, the Synder's Drug store site, and the property adjacent to the Freshwater Center. If those sites are removed from the calculation, it would drop the density from 3.74 to 3.67. If the density in Navarre is dropped from 6 to 15 units per acre to 4 to 15 units per acre, the density would be reduced to 3.46. Gaffron noted the density for the Mixed Use Area in the Navarre area was developed with the idea that some sites will develop at a lower density and some sites will develop at a higher density. Gaffron stated if the City Council would like to reduce that density further, they would need to look at individual sites to remove from the Mixed Use Area. Franchot stated by making this move to lower the density, the City would not be precluding an appropriate development at a higher density but that they are merely changing the threshold for the Metropolitan Council. Gaffron indicated that is correct. Franchot stated he does not want to preclude some developments that could make the Navarre area better and that it sounds like these changes do not prohibit that. McMillan commented she appreciates the extra two weeks since the last Council meeting to thoroughly consider the proposed changes discussed by Staff and the public comments received over the past month. • McMillan indicated she has spent some time considering that input over the past two weeks and that she has attempted to look at the parcels in a vacuum and determine what is best for Orono. As it relates to the area in Navarre consisting of the Mudd and NAPA sites, McMillan indicated she is in agreement with keeping that building retail under the current zoning since it will benefit Navarre by having that retail section. If those buildings are opened up to possible residential uses, it would eliminate those business services. McMillan stated in her view there is justification for keeping the zoning the way it currently is. As it relates to the Eisinger property and their request to guide it for higher density, McMillan indicated she did visit the site and believes there is some justification for increasing the density on that site because it does consist of ten acres of open space. The higher density development on that site would have a buffer and green space and the City would also have the ability to mitigate some of the issues that arise due to higher density. McMillan stated in her view higher density would work in that area because the site can accommodate it. Concerning Parcel 3 near the fire station, McMillan indicated one of her concerns is the formal application that has been submitted and the proposal to guide that area at a much higher density than what it is currently. McMillan stated if the application does not go through for whatever reason, the City will have reguided three parcels, two private lots, and one city-owned lot, to higher density. If it is guided for 10 -15 units per acre and this development falls through, McMillan indicated those property owners could go out and find a developer that will develop those two sites at that higher density regardless of what happens on the city-owned lot. McMillan expressed a concern that the Metropolitan Council will not allow them to reduce the density once they submit the Comprehensive Plan for their approval. McMillan stated in her view that parcel deserves some additional thought. Bremer stated she agrees with the comments of Council Member McMillan except as they relate to Lot 3. • Bremer stated in her view that area should be guided at a higher density and that she trusts the judgment Page 13 of 17