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) Kelley asked what the elevation difference was between the driving lane and the gas station. Sepena said the difference was about 3'. Jabbour did not believe the green space along the parking to the rear could be reduced. Goetten said she would like to see improvements made in Navarre and supported the development. Goetten based her support of the 5' setback on the importance of providing the parking space required. She felt any improvements to CoRd 19 would likely be far in the future. Cook suggested a possible reduction in the green space by the retaining wall. However, the retaining wall would have to be designed stronger to accommodate the reduction resulting in a costly expense to the applicant. Gaffron noted that the applicant has been requested to design the area to include green space in order to disguise the retaining wall. Sepena added that any reduction in green space would add to the height of the retaining wall as there would be less area to accommodate the slope of the land. Jabbour said he felt it was a good project and agreed with concerns and opinions given. Peterson asked if there were other B -5 District areas affected by this front parking • setback. Gaffron showed the three B -5 locations. There is also a 20' setback requirement for the B -1 District located across the street from the subject property. Peterson asked if any of the properties have a 20' setback. Gaffron noted that Lowells Auto Parts approached the 20' requirement, other sites probably did not. Barrett asked how a building material facade variance can be accomplished. He asked what the hardship would be for the variance. Gaffron read the code. It stipulated that building material could be approved by Council. He said it could be argued that a variance was not necessary if Council approval was granted. Kelley moved, Goetten seconded, to approve Application #2326 for commercial site plan review and variances for 500 -1000' zone hardcover and parking setback. The building material as indicated is approved by Council and falls within the stated code section. Staff was directed to draft the resolution detailing all conditions and findings for presentation at the March 9 Council meeting. Staff was directed to follow through on the vacation of Navarre Lane. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 1, Peterson. • 13