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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,February 19,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Landgraver asked why Staff is confident that that lot will be developed. <br /> Gaffron stated in his view every developable property in Orono will someday be developed. If those <br /> potential corridors are not dealt with now, it becomes difficult to deal with in the future. Typically the <br /> City does not like to maintain cul-de-sacs. <br /> Gaffron noted Glendale Cove became a public road and has a cul-de-sac. The development is an RPUD <br /> at roughly the same density as what is being proposed in this application. As it relates to Stone Bay, it <br /> was developed for high density but it also created narrow private roads within the development. In this <br /> case,the City is looking at a road system to serve single-family homes and not twin homes or townhomes. <br /> If there is going to be a connection to the next property,the City should put in place a useable road with <br /> some idea of how that other property may be developed in the future. Gaffron stated it is possible to plat <br /> a 50-foot road down the western side of the property but that he is not sure how it would develop. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if that would become a public road. <br /> Gaffron stated the City for the last 30 years has required that the connecting roads be platted and have had <br /> dualing cul-de-sacs with the connector corridor. Neighbors like cul-de-sacs that do not connect on <br /> through. If the City is going to be asked to take that road over in the future,the City would require that <br /> connection be made in order to not have to deal with the cul-de-sacs. <br /> Gaffron stated he would have every expectation that the next developer will want to come in off of <br /> Watertown Road and have their own private road. The question becomes at what point in the future <br /> should it become a through road. <br /> Gaffron indicated these sketches are all just possible options and that the wetland delineation will provide <br /> some better guidance. The need for storm water ponding will also provide some direction. There are a <br /> number of unresolved issues at this point that Staff cannot define exactly how this development should be <br /> laid out but it is important the City have enough of a road serving this development so parking issues do <br /> not develop. <br /> Lemke asked why the City would want a public cul-de-sac as opposed to a private cul-de-sac. <br /> Gaffron stated in this case they are proposing single-family homes and it is going to end up at roughly 1/3 <br /> to 1/2-acre zoning. There are very few areas of the City at that density that have private roads. Gaffron <br /> stated he has no compelling reason why it should be public versus private,but if it does become public, <br /> the City needs to make sure it is to the point that it can be extended in the future if it becomes necessary. <br /> Leskinen asked how big the adjoining parcel is. <br /> Curtis indicated it is 3.52 acres. <br /> William Abbott,Applicant, stated he grew up in the Orono area and observed a lot of different <br /> development. Abbott stated he sees an entirely different housing need at the current time rather than what <br /> has traditionally been a need for 5-acre lots and larger homes. Abbott stated he is seeing in recent home <br /> sales that people are moving into smaller homes on smaller lots. <br /> Page 17 of 23 <br />