02-10-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 10, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 30 (6. #13-3637 WILLI ABBOTT O/B/O THE BROADWAY GROUP, LLC, 2350 WATERTOWN ROAD AND XXX WILLOW DRIVE NORTH – PRELIMINARY PLAT AND RPUD REZONING – DRAFT RESOLUTION, Continued) Abbott stated in the case of a 40-foot wide home, there would be approximately 2,100 to 2,200 total square feet, which would include a 700 foot garage. By requiring a 40-foot setback from Willow, the impact would be to have 55 feet of home along Willow, which would be worse than seeing 30 to 35 feet. Abbott indicated it would result in homes that are longer and thinner. Abbott stated he could live with a 35-foot setback but that 30 would be wonderful, which would help create a consistency on the front of the homes. Abbott stated the whole idea from the start was to create a neighborhood and a community for the City of Orono. McMillan asked if they are attempting to take advantage of the view to the north. Abbott stated they are. With a 40-foot setback, there would be windows facing Willow and the neighbor rather than facing north. McMillan stated she drove through Locust Hills in Wayzata and that you can see the two-car garage and then the third stall is at an angle. McMillan stated when you look from the street, you really only see a two-car garage, which is an interesting design. Abbott stated they could also turn the garage sideways, which would maintain the three-car garage at 24 feet deep and 24 feet wide. Abbott stated he is not trying to build a great big garage or a great big house but attempting to stay within the 2,100 to 3,000 total square feet. Abbott noted they are not asking for more width to construct a bigger house. Abbott stated the only other discussion item relates to the curb and gutter. Abbott asked if curb and gutter is done at the edge of the street, whether the City Council would be opposed to having a soft curb. Abbott indicated he did not completely understand what the Counsel was looking for when they said to eliminate the curb and gutter since there tends to be more erosion in that area that then has to be constantly maintained. Abbott indicated a soft curb would help keep the water in the street, looks nicer, and that it does cost more to do the curb and gutter. McMillan asked if he wants curb and gutter along the entire road. Abbott indicated it would be a soft or surmountable curb along the entire road. McMillan noted bituminous curbs are also utilized but do not hold up as well. McMillan stated concrete is a different color and would be more noticeable. Abbott stated they started with the concept that it would be a public road, which required the curb and gutter. Abbott stated in his view the concrete is stronger than asphalt, which would tend to erode over time. McMillan stated the City has installed some of the softer curbs or swaled concrete. McMillan asked if there will be concrete driveways put in.