02-13-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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W, T I- �l • 91l_ ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 13, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (9. #12 -3540 CHARLES TR UWIT AND PA ULA PICARD,1105 FERNDALE ROAD WEST, Continued) Curtis indicated that is what the revised hardcover calculations show on the second page of Staff's report. Staff removed the portion of the driveway that only benefits the neighbor and everything that the subject property needs to access the property is included in the hardcover numbers. McMillan asked whether anyone has any issues with the patio being converted into a deck. Bremer and Printup indicated they do not. Rahn stated as it relates to the driveway, in his view the circular driveway is excessive and that he is not in support of the turnaround. Rahn commented there might be more headlight issues with the tear drop. Rahn stated he is not sure why the City Council would allow the blue driveway area since it appears the applicants have a plenty wide turnaround without the blue area. Truwit indicated the blue currently exists and that it would be removed with the addition of the turnaround. Rahn stated he would go with Staff's recommendation and pointed out that it is a lot more house than what was there before and that in his opinion it would have an impact on the character of the • neighborhood. Rahn commented that he has received complaints from other citizens about ramblers being changed to two -story residences. Rahn stated as it relates to driveways in general, the City Council gets very detailed on how wide driveways can be, along with turnarounds. Rahn stated it appears that there would be plenty of room to turn a car around and asked whether the engineer agrees with that assessment. Curtis indicated he does. Rahn stated if the applicant would like to rearrange the driveway and perhaps remove a third garage stall, the application can be tabled for redesign. Truwit indicated he did remove some of the existing hardcover and that he is not interested in redesigning his plans. Truwit noted this is the last one -story house in the neighborhood and that the other homes have already been converted or have been approved for redesign. Truwit stated the character of the neighborhood has already changed and that the current house is not livable the way it is. McMillan commented the applicant has a right to construct a second story but that it will have some impact to the neighboring property. As it relates to the driveway, in an ideal world without the need to limit hardcover, it would be elegant. McMillan stated in her view the applicant does have enough room to back cars in and out of the driveway. McMillan stated she understands why the applicant would like that amenity but that in her opinion there are already concessions being made with the location of the house. Truwit stated the current house is an eyesore and that they are proposing a solution. Truwit stated he has • given the City Council his rationale for the turnaround and that he would like to proceed forward with the rest of the house. Franchot asked which corner the conservatory would be located on. Page 13 of 22