04-23-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 23, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. #12 -3546 TODD HOLMERS ONBEHALF OF MAPLE PLACE, LLC,1545 MAPLE PLACE, Continued) Gaffron stated the proposed drainage plan would work but it would raise the homes on the north end. McMillan asked how much additional pressure on the storm water drainage system there would be with the seven homes versus the three homes. Gaffron illustrated on the overhead the flow of the drainage. The addition of three or seven homes may not make a big difference. Martini indicated the City will be putting in three parallel pipes, which will be. an improved outlet. The water that ultimately comes into that area has been calculated and the stormwater plan takes into account the fact that they will be able to back up some of that water on those seven lots until the three pipes can take away the water without causing flooding. Currently there is one 15 -inch pipe in that area which does not have sufficient capacity. Franchot asked why the applicant has increased the number of homes from three to seven. Hohners indicated that was a choice the group needed to make. • McMillan asked whether they would be willing to reconsider the number of homes in light of tonight's • discussion. Hohners stated they probably will not be reconsidering the number of homes. McMillan commented she is not sure whether the fact that they would not be allowed 24/2 stories with a basement would impact the decision to have seven homes. Gaffron stated if the homes are three complete stories, that would not be allowed under City Code. Gaffron stated regardless of where the basement is located, they would only be allowed 2 -1/2 stories. Mayor McMillan opened the meeting for public comment. Nick Williams, 3843 Cherry Avenue, stated what he has seen presented tonight and what has been discussed the past couple of weeks is not what he would consider congruent with the character of the neighborhood. The applicant is talking about putting houses within 25 feet of one another on what used to be a completely wooded lot. This proposal makes this look like a city block in a neighborhood that does not look like a city block. Williams indicated kids utilize Sandy Beach along with a number of the other neighbors. This proposal will have an impact on the park. Williams expressed concern about what this development will look like moving forward and questioned whether it is for the betterment of the community. Williams stated he appreciates City Council Member Bremer's comments on the marketability of these homes. The price point on these homes is advertised between $380,000 and $410,000, which means they • are talking over $250 per square foot on a 1,500 square foot home, which is way beyond market comparables. Page 10 of 16