11-22-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 22, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. (8. #10 -3493 GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3745 SHORELINE DRIVE, Continued)- Carlson commented they would like to be respectful neighbors and asked whether the two uses are compatible. Carlson noted the plan shows the land going all the way out to Casco Point Road and asked whether that land is useable. Owen indicated that land is primarily wetland and that they have located their project on as much high ground as possible. Owen noted the inurement garden is as far away from the building and County Road 15 as possible. Owen pointed out there are heavy woods between the adjoining property and the inurnment garden. . Carlson distributed some pictures to the Council. Owen pointed out that the gray line on Picture No. 2 is the roofline of the Zachman residence. Carlson stated he did take a picture of the middle of the inumment area from his property and his residence is very apparent. During the wintertime his residence is clearly visible from the church property. There is a canopy of very large trees on the church property but that does nothing to abate the sight line from their property. From the corner of the private driveway, you can still see all the way back in there. The area is somewhat screened but the screening at eye level has been done by Ms. Zachman. • The church is not proposing to do anything as far as screening and there is limited foliage for eight months of the year. Carlson indicated they have a letter from their realtor. The house is currently on the market and the realtor feels their property value will be negatively impacted by this. Carlson commented he is not-sure whether he would want to live next to a cemetery or an inurement garden and that they did not purchase a residence that was next to a cemetery or an inurement garden. Carlson stated at the very least they would like to know why Good Shepherd is avoiding the Planning Commission and coming straight to the City Council. They would also like some additional screening and that they are really not in favor of the project at all, particularly since Good Shepherd is not proposing anything as far as screening. Both parties will want privacy and they do not want to feel like they are intruding. Owen pointed out in the wintertime they will not be having any inumments, but that it is possible there will be one or two in the early spring or late fall. Good Shepherd's intention has been to screen their project from their parking lot and that they thought they were screened well enough from the adjoining properties. Owen indicated they are willing to provide additional screening. McMillan asked how the church would feel about noises coming from the adjoining properties. Owen indicated they would understand that aspect and that the average inurement ceremony would only last approximately 20 minutes. Pastor Davis stated the outdoor inurement ceremonies are five to ten minutes long. Their back yard is is currently being used now for worship services and the children play out there. There are many more activities that are closer to the Zachman residence than the inurement garden. If there is noise coming Page 7 of 14