04-25-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 11, 2016 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 20 of 32 14. #16-3814 ALEXANDER DESIGN GROUP ON BEHALF OF PETER AND MELISSA SANTRACH, 1700 BOHN’S POINT ROAD – VARIANCES (continued) Kathi Alexander stated they did look at this lot as a clean slate but that those issues are why they are requesting the additional hardcover. Alexander noted there is also some hardcover down at the lakeshore that cannot be removed. Alexander indicated they did pull the house back behind the 75-foot line, reduced the hardcover on the lot, and improved the drainage on the lot. The existing house is well into the 75-foot zone and is over on hardcover, which is likely due to the driveway. Alexander noted they do have the support of both neighbors in writing. Peter Santrach, Applicant, stated the lot has presented a lot of challenges. Santrach stated if the lot were located on the street, there would be on-street parking available. Given the current layout, it requires someone to walk 50-plus yards to get to the house. Santrach indicated they have older parents and it is a challenge for them and other older people to access the property. Santrach noted they also have issues with snow storage and that they need some additional room to turn around within the property. Santrach stated in his view they have made a lot of compromises by bringing the house out of the 75-foot setback. In addition, there are some legacy items that they are not prepared to just go in and tear out due to the additional cost to remove it. Santrach stated on a clean slate, they could tear it all out and make something fit, but the legacy items are what attracted them to the property. Santrach noted this is one of the smallest properties on Bohn’s Point and that they are talking about 600 feet. Without the proposed driveway, it would make it less desirable for guests and for them to get in and out on a daily basis. Alexander stated there is a lot of green space in the neighborhood and that their survey does list a portion of the green space within the circle. Alexander stated she realizes they cannot use that area, but if that is factored in, the hardcover would be below 25 percent. McMillan asked who owns and maintains that area. Santrach indicated it is shared and maintained by the 18 residents. Walsh noted the proposed turnaround area is 758 square feet. Santrach stated for them as a property owner, if they had sole ownership of the driveway, it would be an even bigger problem, but that it is shared access among three properties. Alexander stated it is an unusual property and that they have attempted to limit the hardcover as much as possible. Printup asked what the legacy pieces are. Mrs. Santrach indicated they are the retaining walls along the shoreline. Gaffron pointed out the retaining walls on the overhead.