02-23-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 23, 1998 • ( #8 - #2326 Orono Development - Continued) - Jabbour asked Staffs opinion on the 5' parking setback. He questioned if there was any other commercial district where a 20' setback exists. He asked if the 20' setback was reasonable. Gaffron said there are likely no commercial properties with a full 20' setback. Gaffron said he has concluded, however, that to gain the setback it must be obtained now. Gaffron said the Planning Commission has recommended a 15' setback. Jabbour noted the many standards being required today that reduce useable site area, citing the example of ponding. He indicated priorities have to be reviewed. Gaffron noted the code suggests the importance of reviewing the visual aspect of the site. He is also concerned if the county road is widened in the future, with the City sidewalk abutting the property and only 5' of green space, road expansion could be up to the parking space. Gaffron agreed with Jabbour that it may be an issue of policy. Moorse was of the opinion that it would be difficult to grow any grass or shrubbery within the 5' of green space. Goetten asked what effect the Planning Commission recommendation would have on parking. Gaffron indicated the plan would not be feasible if a row of parking was eliminated. • Gaffron said the initial reaction was to make the building less deep. Dillon said the options were reviewed. The building had originally been proposed at a much larger size. He indicated the bumpouts for trees on the front of the building did not satisfy the Planning Commission. Dillon said the building depth was standard as well as the parking space. The 20' drive clearance to the rear is necessary to handle the traffic flow. 0 John O'Sullivan said his adjacent property has a 5' green space. He has been able.to maintain a hedge with flower gardens each year. He also referenced the additional landscaping planned around the building. Dillon said green space is provided at the corner of CoRds 15 and 19 as well as surrounding the pond area. Dillon indicated the vacated portion of Navarre Lane could be an area for additional green space. Kelley asked if there would be a railing on the retaining wall. Mike Sepena, the building contractor, informed Kelley that the highest point of the wall is 14'. A condition of the Planning Commission review was the placement of a fence along the wall. The type of fencing has not yet been studied. Kelley indicated the need to create a pleasant view and a safe environment. Kelley was informed that a substantial amount of fill would be brought onto the property. The amount was not known. 11