03-09-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 9, 1998 • ( #10 - #2339 James Render - Continued) Carlson indicated that the low portion of Birch Lane is in a flood plain. He asked how far the flood plain extends. Jabbour suggested Carlson discuss the issue with staff. He noted that the Watershed District was redefining the flood plain, and this is a concern for the Comprehensive Plan update. Jabbour informed Carlson that the Council will be discussing stormwater at their work session. Carlson asked that an answer be given regarding the possible connection of Birch Lane as it will affect many homes. Mr. Lindner, 3440 North Shore Drive, reported that there are 4 homes served on his 10' driveway. He noted that the fire chief had indicated at the Planning Commission meeting that a fire truck must be within 500' of a pool to serve a property. Lindner said all of the homes located in the back of the area can be served from CoRd 51 so questioned why access needs to be provided elsewhere for the equipment. He felt a 28' road was not aesthetically pleasing, noting there are smaller roads in the City. Lindner said he has experienced problems with having the Maxwell Bay access nearby. He felt the road would add to that problem, and he would be further affected if the road was connected. Lindner noted there is no room for children to play in front of the homes and the road would eliminate the ability for the children to play in the rear of the homes. • Lindner reported that his home is 1500 s.f and others were about 2000 -2500 s.f. He questioned how the proposed 4000 s.f homes would fit in to the neighborhood. Render responded that the 4000 s.f includes all hardcover, including driveway. Lindner said he would like to see the property divided into two lots only and asked that no variances be allowed. Ed Engler, 3450 Birch Lane, reported that Birch Lane ends at his garage. He noted the large amount of traffic due to the public launch, the public access, and nearby marinas resulting in no shelter from trattic for many of the neighbors. if the road was connected, it would increase this problem. He felt the road connection would be dangerous and create an unhealthy situation. Debra Robertson, 3440 North Shore Drive, said the 10' driveway has served the four homes for over 30 years with no problems. It baffled her to think that a 28' road was required to serve three homes. Robertson reported that Birch Lane did run through the property 80 years ago and a trade for access to Crystal Bay was made for CoRd 51. The road connection would result in their losing their access to North Arm, and the properties would be surrounded by three roads causing increased traffic. Jabbour reported that the reason a 28' road was recommended was due to the vision of it becoming a public road in the future. He said the Council is obligated to recommend access that would accommodate fire trucks. Jabbour said the council is aware that the area is congested and is attempting to control it as much as possible. He said it is not the Council's vision to surround homes with roads. 13