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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 /> Abbott stated when he saw this properly, he thought this would be an opportunity to do something to meet <br /> the needs of people wanting to move into Orono that are unable to afford the cost of a larger home. <br /> Abbott stated current home prices for the larger lots keep people out of Orono and they are trying to <br /> create a neighborhood of smaller lots and smaller homes. <br /> To create that market,they need to look at costs and how to keep them low. It makes sense to look at <br /> future development,but by putting in a shorter road and creating less of a scar with the paved road,we <br /> create less impact and less expense associated with the development. Orono is looking for that type of <br /> development and this development will help meet that need. <br /> Schoenzeit asked what the land portion would cost. <br /> Abbott stated Lots 1 and 2 would be around 160,Lots 5 and 6 would be in the 150 range, and <br /> approximately 175 for the one-acre pieces. Abbott stated it got to the point where there was a saturation <br /> of larger homes but now there is more of a balance. Home prices have come down due to the lack of <br /> demand. People are looking for more traditional homes. Abbott indicated they are also attempting to <br /> provide some variety in lot sizes. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if he has an alternate suggestion to the road connection. <br /> Abbott stated as it relates to Sketch 3, as long as they have to create an easement,they could create the <br /> easement in a different spot. Abbott stated if you put the easement in the location proposed by Mike <br /> Gaffron,you will need another piece of land. If you leave the lots as they are and place the easement on <br /> the other side,the lot sizes will decrease slightly but will not impact them a ton. <br /> Gaffron indicated it would also avoid Lots 4 and 6 from being through lots. Gaffron stated there is a lot <br /> of good logic for that proposal. <br /> Gaffron asked if the existing house will stay. <br /> Abbott indicated at this point they are not sure. If the house were to go away, having the land with the <br /> drainage easement there might be a better way to lay it out. <br /> Gaffron stated the City wants to avoid having a bunch of lots all having separate access on to Willow <br /> Road. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if it would be okay if they did the 50/50 split with the Kelly property. <br /> Gaffron stated in the past under the City's subdivision codes you would plat half of the road on one side <br /> and the other property on the other side would plat the other side. The City has not done that in a number <br /> of years but this may be a case where the City should perhaps consider that. <br /> Schoenzeit stated since this is a new development,the City would like to see it code compliant as much as <br /> possible. Schoenzeit asked whether there will be ample parking on each of the lots. <br /> Abbott stated they are not creating the bigger road to serve as parking and that each lot should have plenty <br /> of parking. Abbott noted along Willow Drive there is ample parking for special occasions. <br /> Page 18 of 23 <br />