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) Gaffron noted this application does not require formal action by the City Council and the Council has the option to obtain public input. Tom Wasmoen,Applicant, stated he is a partner with BKB Group in Minneapolis and that they have been engaged in a conversation to see what could be done with this currently undeveloped property on the edge of downtown Navarre. Wasmoen stated this development would bring some excitement and interest to the neighborhood as well as add some value to some of the private properties in the area. Wasmoen indicated they have put together some mood images for a possible townhome development. The overhead depicts some units that would be very residential in scale and would appeal to people who would like to stay in the Orono community but do not want to maintain a larger home. Wasmoen displayed a potential layout of the site. Wasmoen stated they would like to obtain the guidance of the City Council and explore the idea that this site could become something more than what it currently is. Wasmoen indicated their intention is to follow through with all the requirements of the City but that it is a big investment and they want to make sure the City feels it is an appropriate direction to go before they get too involved in the project. Wasmoen stated they are looking at smaller units to help define the site and a layout that will work with the existing slopes. Wasmoen stated it is important to note that several pieces of property would need to be acquired and that the plan is contingent upon purchase of those properties. The current proposal consists of a mix of townhomes with a couple of single units and a few row houses. Wasmoen indicated they are looking at a footprint of between 1,800 and 2,500 square feet,with the first floor consisting of a dining room, living room, kitchen,and master bedroom. The second floor would include guest bedrooms and a possible office. There are currently four different unit layouts available. Wasmoen stated the important part of the plan is that they are attempting to do an exercise in community development and that higher density is not necessarily a bad thing. Wasmoen commented they are attempting to add some vibrancy to the business district and they are also attempting to show sensitivity to the natural features o the site. The wetlands and the ravine will be preserved as well as a large majority of the trees. The development will probably have one main loop for the road and that the intention is the existing driveway coming down to Kelly would be developed to be a pedestrian connection back to the public lake/beach front and structured in such a way as to provide access for emergency vehicles. The existing driveway would not be for general access for the neighborhood to access Kelly. Wasmoen displayed some 3-dimensional mapping studies showing the layout of the units on the site. Wasmoen noted the green area facing Kelly Avenue would be maintained and at this time they are looking for some reaction by the City Council on the proposal. Page 6 of 21