11-23-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 23, 1998 • ( #2417 TOLD Development, continued) Cunningham stated if that is the direction of the City Council, he would be willing to approach Walgreen's with that recommendation. Flint stated that the present trend is towards more pedestrian friendly sites to promote a better sense of community, noting that this project is more oriented toward automobile traffic rather than pedestrian traffic. Peterson stated she is not opposed to the zoning amendment but has a concern over the size of the proposed building. Kelley noted he is in favor of a drugstore at that location, but the residents should have input into how they would like to see Navarre developed. Kelley stated that the size of the building and the potential water runoff are, in his view, the two main issues. Flint indicated he is not in favor of approving the amendment at this meeting. Goetten indicated that a drugstore is needed in Navarre, but that the size of the building and drainage should be addressed with Walgreen's. Steve Corl, 4225 Wilshire Boulevard, Mound, stated he has lived in Orono most of his life and feels that this is a great opportunity that might not happen again. Ted Kolander, 3265 Lafayette Ridge Court, stated the present site is an eyesore and this is a good opportunity for the City to improve the site. • Mayor Jabbour commented that the City Council needs to take all factors into consideration before arriving at a decision. John Anderson, 2195 Shadywood Road, noted that this area is an aging community and there is not a lot of undeveloped land available. Anderson stated in his opinion the drugstore would be an asset to the community, and he has polled the surrounding houses and has found only one resident who was opposed to the project. Steve Wagner, 3607 Shoreline Drive, remarked he is pleased that the City Council is looking at all the issues involved with this project, and noted that he would like to see a concrete answer to this requested amendment. Rick Meyer, 2195 Bayview Place, stated he is in favor of this project since it will provide jobs in the community as well as provide for positive retail growth in the neighborhood. John O'Sullivan presented the City Council with a petition in support of this development as well as a letter from Re /Max A -1 Excellence stating their support for the project. O'Sullivan noted the petition is from the residents surrounding the proposed development and the support has been overwhelmingly in favor of the project. Mayor Jabbour noted that the City Council will not be making their decision based solely on the input of the citizens. The City Council will not issue blanket variances on any development without going through the proper process, noting that the City Council would like the project to be built according to Orono standards. Jabbour remarked that the local residents need to realize that this decision will affect the other B -5 districts as well. Cunningham thanked the City Council for their consideration on this application and indicated that • he is willing to work jointly with Orono to come up with the best possible plan for this site. Page 13