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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,May 17,2010 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#10-3460 COMMONBOND COMMUNITIES,PRELIMNARY PLAT AND RPUD,CONT.) <br /> construction and that the development should be compliant with as many of the City's requirements as <br /> possible. <br /> Rahn noted this parcel was originally guided for two to three units per acre, and simply because the lot <br /> was reguided to 10 to 15 units per acre does not mean that the site can accommodate that. Rahn indicated <br /> he would like to like to have more information before moving the application forward to the City Council <br /> and have the access road for emergency vehicles resolved. <br /> Schoenzeit noted if this was a commercial plan,the Planning Commission would be looking at parlcing as <br /> well as a number of other issues. <br /> Rahn stated another issue is the lack of a front yard and a 14-foot rear yard. <br /> Schoenzeit pointed out they may also have a trail through their back yard,which will reduce it even <br /> further. <br /> Rahn commented it is difficult to move this application forward given the lack of information. <br /> Feuss asked what the issue is with city sewer and water and whether Long Lake has the right to deny - <br /> them service. <br /> Schoenzeit stated that is an issue that is currently under discussion. City sewer and water has not <br /> approved by Long Lake at this point,which would be necessary before final approval. <br /> Rice indicated she agrees with the comments already expressed. <br /> Leskinen indicated she also is in agreement with the comments and that for all the variances being <br /> requested,the applicant will need to demonstrate a hardship in order for the Planning Commission to <br /> recommend granting a variance. Leskinen stated she would not be comfortable finding a hardship on this <br /> application for a variance to the wetlands and setbacks given the lack of information. <br /> Schoenzeit asked what the specific attraction to this piece of property is versus some of the others that <br /> were also reguided at this similar density. <br /> Novak stated one of the main reasons for their interest in this parcel is the proximity to the downtown <br /> Long Lake and Orono area. CommonBond also felt that this was a great site in the fact that it is an open <br /> piece of land that has been slated for high density. The other areas that have been reguided have been <br /> reguided at a higher density than what they are looking at and the higher cost for those parcels is also a <br /> factor. Public transportation is approximately six blocks away,which they do not feel is too far away. <br /> There is a church nearby and other local amenities that you find in a smaller city, which attracted them to <br /> this site. <br /> Feuss asked what the current status is of the two separate lots. <br /> Novak indicated they do have a purchase agreement for the north lot and for the parcel currently owned <br /> by the City. The city land has been assessed at$470,000 and CommonBond will be paying for the land <br /> PAGE 17 <br />