01-26-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 26,1998 • (#4 - #2308 Brook Park Realty - Continued) Flint asked how the cost of the units would differ if there were only two to a group. He noted the land cost was less than other land in the area. Gleason said the buildings to the east are generally split entrys and not one level living. The units in the proposed development are similar to walkouts. Gleason said the land is not economical and 75% of the project cost is for the infrastructure. He noted other cities would allow more density. Flint responded that the plan is incompatible with the philosophy of Orono and land use efficiency is not a consideration but best use of land is a consideration. He suggested single level units be considered. Gleason said single level units require more land and would not be feasible for this project. Goetten said she was not against the project but is concerned with CoRd 15. She suggested a graduation in the type of units from twinhomes to townhomes. Jabbour added that the plan should not require sprinkling and include only one cul -de -sac. John Gleason, the builder for the development company, questioned what alternatives would be favored. He asked if the product as proposed would be totally unacceptable with the projected height. Kelley said he did not believe so. John Gleason felt the mixed use of single level with units as proposed would make sense. Goetten noted the need to create a good transition in the housing but admitted not being aware of the cost effects. • Jabbour asked that the applicant present sketches for submission to Council without requiring a full design and laying out several options for Council to give direction on. Other Council members agreed with this proposition. Bill Gleason said he would explore this possibility. Density was still creating a problem for him. Jabbour said there is no formula for density in the City. Jabbour noted that the code allows for leeway in its interpretation. Tom Barrett said the landowner has the right to build on 1/2 acre lots on the property without a density credit. The density credit is more of a legislative judgment. The appearance of the development can be considered, as well as height, design, and recreational needs. Jabbour felt these comments were relevant. Kelley said the plan would be that of sketch plan given the discussion at this meeting. He preferred a preliminary sketch plan be presented to Council and options given for consideration before further development. Goetten moved, Peterson seconded, to table Application #2308. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. ( * #5) #2310 DICK BURY, CLASSIC CAR SALES, 3850 SHORELINE DRIVE Goetten moved, Peterson seconded, to accept withdrawal of the application. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 9