11-23-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 23, 1998 ( #2395 Brent Bentrott, continued) The Planning Commission had recommended denial of the conditional use permit for grading and land alteration to relocate the garage and to deny the side yard adjacent to street setback for the garage and the use of Bluff Street and Park Drive for a driveway to the proposed garage. Van Zomeren noted she received the survey Friday morning from the Applicant. Bentrott had no comment. Mayor Jabbour commented in his opinion this application has not been handled very efficiently, and that City Staff should inform applicants that they will not accept any new information after Wednesday. Jabbour noted that the City Council is being presented with some of this information for the first time at tonight's meeting. Moorse remarked that ownership of Bluff Street may need to be addressed. Mayor Jabbour stated that the Supreme Court had ruled a while ago that City Councils could not vacate fire lanes, noting that he does not foresee vacating Bluff Street now or in the future. Goetten noted that the Planning Commission had told the Applicant that it was doubtful that Bluff Street would be vacated to allow for private use. Mayor Jabbour inquired whether there were any problems with what has been recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. Peterson stated no. • Kelley inquired who constructed the retaining walls on the property. Bentrott stated the previous owner had constructed the retaining walls. Mayor Jabbour stated the question for the City Council to determine is whether the upper portion of Bluff Street should be opened up for private use. Goetten stated in her opinion Bluff Street should not be opened up due to the precedent that it might set. Mayor Jabbour stated he was in agreement with Goetten. Van Zomeren commented that the present plan proposes additional retaining walls, noting that hardcover has not been calculated on that portion. Van Zomeren stated that drainage and grading will need to be reviewed based on whether or not Bluff Street is vacated and the conditional use permit is approved. Kelley inquired whether the proposed garage will be built. Bentrott stated they are proposing to construct the new garage halfway to the back of the house. The new garage will be similar to what currently exists only in a different location. Kelley stated in his opinion this application comes down to whether there is a hardship that exists for relocating the garage. Mayor Jabbour commented that the present situation of backing out onto the roadway is a 40 dangerous situation. Page 3