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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,March 21,2016 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Santrach commented he has seen a number of people here tonight asking for similar variances and be <br /> approved. Santrach stated while those were not a clean sheet design, he does not see any difference. <br /> Santrach stated if he had been shown something about a clean sheet, they likely would have gone a <br /> different direction with their design. <br /> Gaffron noted the applicants' desigi�team has go��e through the variance process many times with the <br /> City and that the usual goal with a clean sheet is to have the property conform as much as possible. <br /> Gaffron stated under City Code, the property is allowed 25 percent hardcover. <br /> Schoenzeit stated because this is a clean sheet, the applicants have ample opportunity to make their design <br /> compliant, and that the amount of hardcover that is allowed should be plenty. <br /> Leskinen asked if he would prefer the Planning Commission table their application so they can redesign <br /> their proposal or whether he would like to take this discussion in front of the City Council. <br /> Santrach indicated they are not interested in tabling their application. <br /> Lemke stated the point is that the Planning Commission agrees with the average lakeshore setback <br /> variance but that they would like to see the hardcover reduced. <br /> Thiesse commented he is struggling with this one and that the hardcover is close to the limit. <br /> Leskinen stated she also can see both sides of this. <br /> Thiesse stated off-street parking is important in this situation and that any visitors to the property have to <br /> walk a considerable distance. Thiesse stated the applicants could keep the proposed driveway but reduce <br /> the size of the house. <br /> Schoenzeit stated a 4,100 square footprint far a house is not a small structure. Schoenzeit noted on the <br /> other applications earlier tonight the lots were smaller. <br /> Thiesse noted the hardcover down by the lake was also not removed. <br /> Schoenzeit stated a lot of people would love to have a boathouse and a deck or patio down by the lake. <br /> Thiesse stated the applicants need to demonstrate a practical difficulty. <br /> Leskinen stated given the location of the property on Bohns Point and the lack of on-street parking, <br /> someone could see that as a practical difficulty. <br /> Thiesse noted this is one of the smaller lots on Bohns Point. <br /> Thiesse moved, Olson seconded,to recommend approval of Application No. 16-3814, Alexander <br /> Design Group on behalf of Peter and Melissa Santrach, 1700 Bohns Point Road, granting of a <br /> hardcover variance and an average lakeshore setback variance. VOTE: Ayes 3, Na,ys 2, Schoenzeit <br /> and Lemke opposed. <br /> Page 13 of 21 <br />