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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,May 17,2010 <br /> 6:30 dclock p.m. <br /> (#10-3460 COMMONBOND COMMLINITIES,PRELIMNARY PLAT AND RPUD,CONT.) <br /> Jabbour stated the argument that the neighbor is a sound wall is a ludicrous argument and that the <br /> Planning Commission's job is to defend neighbors from being at odds with neighbors. <br /> Jabbour stated the City requires a cul-de-sac for developments consisting of two homes or more, and <br /> asked why that is not being required for this development. <br /> Curtis pointed out the applicant is not dividing the lot into separate lots. <br /> Jabbour stated based on that,if there is a commune being proposed,the developer could build 20 homes <br /> on the lot and not be required to construct a cul-de-sac. <br /> Curtis indicated it depends on the type of development that is being proposed. The Fire Marshal's <br /> comments do address those concerns. <br /> Jabbour asked when the standards for the RPUD were adopted. <br /> Gaffron indicated they were adopted 10 years ago. <br /> Jabbour commented he does not see one reason to grant a single variance and that it is a self-imposed <br /> hardship. The developer can reduce the number of units and relocate the buildings. Jabbour stated the <br /> City cannot allow a building to exist without allowing access for a fire truck. Since this is a commercial <br /> development,the driveways should be blacktopped and it should have a 75-foot cul-de-sac. The <br /> developer should also not be given the impression that they can construct this development until they <br /> acquire sewer and water from Long Lake. Jabbour expressed concern that this application is being rushed <br /> through the process. <br /> Alan Arthur, 117 Chevy Chase Drive,Orono,indicated he is in support of the project because it will serve <br /> the people who live and work here. The area needs a broad range of housing types and that he would � <br /> hope as a community everyone will work together to achieve a wide variety of housing. Arthur stated in <br /> his view this type of housing will improve the community,will add to the vitality of the community,will <br /> add to the tax base of the community,and that he strongly supports this project for those reasons. <br /> Kevin Krueger, 2090 Webber Hills Road, Orono,indicated he has served on the Board of Directors for <br /> Interfaith Outreach and that in his view this is a project that Orono should support for a number of <br /> reasons. Currently the City is under a density mandate from the Metropolitan Council and that Orono has <br /> a limited number of parcels available for this type of density. CommonBond has demonstrated in <br /> Wayzata they can do an outstanding job of working with the City and the community. CommonBond has <br /> an outstanding group of people who do quality work and provide affordable housing. Krueger stated in <br /> his view it is a good plan and is located in an affordable area. <br /> Randy Gilbert,Mayor of Long Lake,noted he appeared here two weeks ago on behalf of the City of Long <br /> Lake in opposition to Orono's Comprehensive Plan. This proposal is not consistent with the density in <br /> Long Lake that is adjacent to this proposed development. City councils are holders of a vision, and part <br /> of that vision is that northern Orono will develop out and some institutional land will be required to <br /> expand the fire department. This land is currently guided for that. The City needs to think of future <br /> expansion of the fire department and this area is the perfect spot for it. <br /> PAGE 11 <br />