08-15-2016 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE . ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,July18,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Ponzetti noted he has lived there for 22 years and that he saw what happened four or five years ago when they clear cut the site. Ponzetti stated if a commercial operation goes in there, the same thing would happen again with the trees. Ponzetti stated under this plan, Kelly Avenue appears to be minimally impacted with the exception of the trees. Ponzetti stated other than a concern that enough trees are planted or left, he cannot see anything wrong with the project as proposed. Acting Chair Lemke closed the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. Lemke noted the Commissioners have seen the e-mails that have been submitted. Lemke stated he was not present when the sketch plan was initially discussed but that it appears the developer has incorporated most of the recommendations into his plan and that the Council is in favar of going in this same direction. Schoenzeit commented the City has seen a number of proposals for this site and that this recent proposal is probably the most appealing and has the least impact on Kelly Avenue. Schoenzeit stated as a recommendation going forward, he would like the developer to create a very detailed landscaping plan showing the trees that will remain and that perhaps the church could speak with the developer about perhaps picking up the cost of the fence. Schoenzeit noted the City has the opportunity to control the access point to some degree and get the proper landscaping planted. Lemke noted the Planning Commission is being asked to review a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and asked whether the Commission feels the City should be striving for more density ar less density at this location. Schoenzeit commented the City talks a good game on density, but anytime someone proposes high density, the City tends to run away from it. Schoenzeit stated in his view this is a good place for mixed use but that is not the proposal before the Planning Commission. McGrann asked if subsequent changes to the CMP would need to go through a similar process. Barnhart indicated they would and that the Comprehensive Plan Amendment is based upon what is before the Commission this evening. Lemke asked whether the Commission feels a single-family concept is right for this area and whether it matches the City's goals in terms of housing type and density. Leskinen stated she would concur with Commissioner Schoenzeit's comments and that it would be a nice spot for mixed use. Leskinen stated since that is not before the Planning Commission,the next logical use would be single-family residential. McGrann and Schwingler indicated they are in agreement. Lemke stated the next question is whether the City will benefit from a development such as this and whether the site should incorporate more than one style of housing. Schoenzeit commented the number of houses being proposed is limited. Lemke asked if there is a market for this type of house. Page 12 of 19