12-13-1999 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 13, 1999 ON #2522 BANCOR GROUP, 17VG - Continued Kelley said there are only four houses that will front on Willow and that is appealing to him. Sanford asked if the developer needs a variance from the two -acre lot requirement. Jabbour explained that no variances are needed with the PRD. Sansevere asked if Sanford was concerned about the road being located across from Shadowood. Sanford replied that he is concerned about it because he thinks there will be a traffic problem. He said the area is not very well lit at night. Jabbour explained the types of restrictions that can be placed on the property with a PRD. John Grobe said he has lived in the area for four years. He said they moved to Orono because they wanted to live in an area that was rural in nature. He does not want to see curb and gutter or lights. He doesn't want to see two -story buildings. He would rather see one -story ramblers because the area is so flat. He thinks this development will become an eye -sore for the community and will devalue the property around it. Jabbour said that if people take the time to read the Comprehensive Plan, the City is not diverting from that plan. He said the City does not have full control, but it does have some control. He said the applicant can choose to submit a plan for two -acre lots and they could build tall houses, plus two barns, plus a garage. Kelley said that where he lives today used to be a farm and there were no trees on it. Today, because of the houses that were built, people have planted trees that are now 16 feet tall. He said there is a pride in ownership and homeowners will plant trees. Jim Cox said he lives across the road from the project. He said he understands the neighbors' concerns about the road, but he doesn't want the road moved to line up with his house. He said he does not oppose the project. He is concerned about the height of the houses. Jabbour asked his opinion as a fire fighter. Cox said he is concerned about the height of the houses and, as a fire fighter, he would like to see public water because it gives them greater ability to fight a fire. He would not oppose the cul -de -sac with an access. He said the height of the building and the way the dirt is pushed up to the basement are more of a concern than the road issue. Jabbour asked how long the road would be with a cul -de -sac. Gaffron said it would be about 2,000 feet which is double what it should be. Page 17