04/19/2010 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLAl�TNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,Apri119,2010 6:30 o'clock p.m. (COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, CONTINUED) since met with the MPCA and with various engineers,attended classes, and decided that the most responsible thing to do was to construct a multi-flow system,which is a mechanical aerobic system that has been approved in the state of Minnesota for over 30 years. Mrs. Seeland asked whether her understanding that the MPCA has changed their rule requiring all cities to allow this system is incorrect. Gaffron indicated he is not familiar with those rule changes. Gaffron suggested that Ms. Seeland discuss those issues with the City's septic inspector. Seeland stated the bottom line is she cannot do what would actually function for a long period of time and could be maintained. Mrs. Seeland stated if she is unable to do that, she is left with no choice but to wait on that ten acre property until municipal sewer is available. Bob Erickson,Welsh Companies,indicated he is here on behalf of the Eisingers. Erickson requested the Commissioners turn to Page 16 of the City's Comprehensiye Plan. Erickson complemented the City on theier height restrictions and noted the Eisingers are accepting of the two-story limitation of 30 feet but that they have an issue with the determination that has been made for a footprint of no greater than 32,500 square feet. Erickson stated their architectural group has deternuned that the only viable use that would work in a footprint of 32,500 square feet would be senior housing given the small size of rooms that exist in that type of use. Erickson indicated they would prefer not to have that type of limitation of square foot placed on this five acre site. Erickson stated they believe there are legitimate reasons for the two-stories and that it seems premature to limit the square footage. Erickson noted this is a long-term development opportunity and not a short-term one and would require development of the parcels to the east first. The property consists of 30 acres with a five acre development site. Even with an increase in the square footage,they would not exceed a three unit per gross acre density. The density will be kept extremely low. If you look at the number of senior housing centers that are being proposed in Orono and the surrounding communities,the Eisinger parcel warrants a greater footprint and that the space is available to accommodate the ordinances and requirements identified in Staff's recommendations one through eight. Erickson stated they are agreeable to working with Staff on the square footage to see if that can be modified or if language could be drafted that would allow some flexibility and still keep all of the City's requirements for density in place. Tom Ritchie,2507 Kelly Parkway, stated as it relates to the Navarre area,the residents are concerned about traffic as future development occurs to the west. Anything that drastically changes the character of the neighborhood would be highly unwelcome. Richard Edwards, 2480 Carman Street, stated he has lived in his residence since 1954 but rebuilt following the tornado that went through the area. Edwards asked whether there will be any changes made to the intersection of Highways 15 and 19 in Navarre. Gaffron stated to his lmowledge the County has no plans to make changes to the intersection. Gaffron noted there was some discussion regarding that intersection at the Apri17°i hearing and how this three-way right turn is problematic. In addition,the city parking lot,which includes a park-n-ride, forces people to cross the street to get to the bus stop,which is also problematic. Gaffron aclrnowledged there are a number of issues that need to be looked at and resolved in the Navarre area. Page 23