08-09-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 9, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. • (5. #10 -3471 TERRYSCHNEIDER ONBEHALF OF WOODHILL SENIOR COTTAGES OF NAVARRE, 2525 & 2545 SHAD YWOOD ROAD, Continued) a means of combining the lots. It also takes a residential property and turns it into commercial, which is spot zoning. Stoddard pointed out the subject property and the residential property in question. Stoddard illustrated the residential zones that surround this site. Stoddard stated this use would change the;residential character of Navarre since it is a 24/7 facility and would result in ambulances and police coming to the site routinely regardless of how well managed the facility is. This lot is the furthest south of any commercial property in Navarre. The best location for this type of project is close to a hospital or other commercial properties along Highway 12. Stoddard stated in his view this location is not proper since it is a residential neighborhood. Stoddard encouraged the Council to place restrictions against combining the residential lot with the commercial lot and to require the developer to work with the neighbors on landscaping. Julie Thomas, 2620 Kelly Avenue, stated they do recognize that this type of property is preferable to an office building or a similar use and that it will be a relatively quiet use. Thomas indicated one of the biggest reasons for her family staying in the area is because of the green space, the preservation of the vegetation, and a priority to preserve the wildlife. Thomas stated in her view a number of the wildlife will be lost as well as a lot of privacy. Thomas pointed out their house and the hill that is on the subject site. If a second building is constructed, the residents will be able to see into their house, which is a big • concern of theirs. Thomas stated in her view the second building will be against the City's philosophy to preserve distinct rural areas. Marilyn McClaskey, 2693 Kelly Avenue, stated she was impressed by Mr. Schneider's presentation and the improvement over the last proposal they brought for this property. McClaskey indicated she has resided in high density areas in the past and that on almost every block there was a nursing home, a halfway shelter or a homeless shelter and that they got tired of people in the suburbs saying not in my back yard. McClaskey stated she does not have any concerns about locating this facility on this site but that she does not feel taking that large residential parcel and combining it with this lot would be a good idea since it affects the wildlife and green area. The small children in the neighborhood and other residents enjoy having some peace. McClaskey stated to destroy the habitat would be a great shame and would also reduce the neighbors' property values. McClaskey stated in her opinion the combination of the lots should not be done. McClaskey expressed a concern with the second stage and how that area would be accessed by the equipment needed in order to construct the second building. McClaskey requested that the lots not be combined and the second building not be constructed. Janice Berg, 2655 Lydiard Avenue, presented a petition to the City Council in opposition to the application. Berg stated she is opposed to the project and that the residential lot should remain residential. The mass of the buildings is bigger than the church and the Snyder's building. The Snyder's building is 11,000 square feet and is now empty. Berg asked if an environmental assessment has been done regarding the wildlife and the runoff. Berg indicated she concurs with Mr. Stoddard that there will be traffic the neighbors will need to contend with.' Page 4 of 17