01-27-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, January 27, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 21 of 32 (5. #13-3637 WILLI ABBOTT ON BEHALF OF THE BROADWAY GROUP, LLC – 2350 WATERTOWN ROAD AND XXX WILLOW DRIVE NORTH – PRELIMINARY PLAT AND RPUD REZONING, Continued) Levang noted Mr. Abbott wanted the FAR rather than the 15 percent. Abbott stated if an outlot is created, that would restrict the building envelop and would result in lots that have no deck or screen porch. Abbott stated if the Council would like to restrict it to smaller homes, he would ask that the City Council tell them how they should do it. McMillan stated the floor plans are helpful but noted the City Council only received them tonight. McMillan noted in the first example the lower level is 45 feet wide and the upper level is 38 feet wide, but that he had indicated he did not want to construct a home that was 40 feet wide. McMillan stated in her view he pretty much has it designed already. Levang noted the reason it is 45 is because of a third stall garage. Abbott stated 40 feet is pretty difficult. Levang commented the garage could be limited to two cars. McMillan asked if this is not what they want to build. Quinlan stated if the house is moved over another five feet that would make a huge difference and reduces the width of the front of the house. Levang stated if it is a two-car garage, nothing would have to be moved. Quinlan stated it is difficult to sell a new home with a 2-car garage nowadays. Levang stated if they are talking about affordable housing, a two-car garage is more affordable. McMillan noted there are other lots in the subdivision that could accommodate a 3-car garage and that there are perhaps only two lots that would have to have a 2-car garage. Levang stated the City Council knows a 2-car garage is still workable in other developments. Abbott stated they are attempting to create a consistent development for new families and that their competition offers 3-car garages. McMillan stated the floor plans depict something that is close to 40 feet wide and that those are decisions that may need to be worked out. McMillan indicated she is in agreement with not creating a wetland outlot and that it is probably better to attach it to the individual lots. McMillan noted it would still be considered an easement but would allow the developer to get to a certain lot size.