08-26-2013 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ' ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING • Monday,August 26,2013 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. #13-3621 THOMAS WASMOEN ON BEHALF OF JOHN BESSESEN, 2445, 2455, 2465 SHADYWOOD ROAD, 2560 KELLYAVENUE,AND PID 20-117-23-11-0032—SKETCH PLAN REVIEW, Continued) Wasmoen asked whether the City Council would be interested in a project like this if they can address some of the conservation issues and reduce the density. Printup stated he agrees with the majority of what has already been stated and that he is not in favor of moving forward with this type of development on this site. Printup stated if something is constructed on this property, it should be lower density and more neighborhood friendly. Printup indicated he would be looking at more single-family residential rather than townhomes and row houses. Printup stated in his view it would be important to know what Orono's housing stock is and that he does not know what the vacancy rate is. Printup stated he does not want to add to that vacancy rate. McMillan asked how many single-family homes could fit into this area. Gaffron stated the entire site, if all of the properties are acquired,would consist of approximately ten acres and that probably no more than three or four single-family homes would be able to fit in there. Wasmoen pointed out they are attempting to offer a different type of housing from single-family for people over 55. Wasmoen stated they intend to preserve as much green area and trees as possible. Levang stated she understands that point but that she is opposed to the higher density and the zoning change. McMillan noted the clear-cut property is approximately two acres and that townhomes could possibly go in that area. McMillan indicated the memory care project was to help create a buffer and that the developer has to be serious about preserving the trees,which will result in a lot lower density. Wasmoen asked if the Council has a particular density in mind. McMillan indicated she cannot put a number on it at this time. Tom Bessesen, 4500 North Shore Drive, indicated he has been looking at this project for approximately a year and has looked at different ideas to come up with something that would fit in well on the lot. Bessesen indicated he is interested in developing this piece as well as the piece owned by the bank. The church has been over to visit the bank about purchasing the property next to them and if that lot is purchased by the church,they would not have very good access to the back of this property. Bessesen stated one thought was that they could try to get a piece of undeveloped property off the City tax rolls. The Nelsons have also indicated they would like to retire and so he thought they could try to include that. Bessesen stated their concept plan was an idea to try to bring some senior citizens or empty nesters into a development that is shielded along Kelly Road. Plan B would be to turn the property into something that is economically viable, such as apartment buildings. Bessesen stated they would not ask to change the zoning but would request a PUD or an RPUD. Page 10 of 21