06-09-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, June 9, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 22 (7. #14-3654 JOHN BESSESEN ON BEHALF OF DAVID DELANEY – “2500 KELLY AVENUE – SKETCH PLAN, Continued) 1. General acceptance of the twin home concept for this site as a transition between commercial and single-family uses and is a plus for the Navarre area in providing more housing choices; 2. There was some desire expressed for reducing the number of buildings from five to four and creating greater separation between buildings to reduce the visual massing; 3. One Commissioner expressed concern about traffic impacts on Kelly Avenue and the neighborhood streets to the south and that the neighborhood likely would prefer single-family development of the site; 4. Commissioners generally indicated that slope management for erosion control and tree preservation for screening and maintaining the existing character of the neighborhood were key to the success of a development at this site; 5. Discussion regarding the access and road layout, T-turnaround versus cul-de-sac versus through road did not result in any conclusions. Gaffron stated based on the discussions with the Planning Commission, the developer has revised his sketch plan to have all the units facing to the south or southwest with a single private road off of Kelly Avenue and individual driveways that are easily accessed. In addition, there is a T-turnaround for emergency and other vehicles as opposed to a cul-de-sac, which would require significantly more hardcover, and some guest parking off to the side. The units overlook the wetland, leaving some area between the wetland and Kelly Avenue for some screening, which Staff feels is important in this situation. John Bessesen, the applicant is also proposing a rezoning of the site, which will likely require a PUD and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The developer is looking tonight for some direction from the City Council. Gaffron noted the sketch plan is similar in concept to the Stonebay development, with commons areas located next to the units. Gaffron stated the flowage and conservation easement may need to be redefined based on the location of the wetland and potentially there may be a dedication and rededication of the easement. Stormwater ponding may likely be required on the north end of the site. Gaffron stated Staff is aware of some drainage issues with Kelly Avenue and there will be concerns that this development does not add to those issues. Gaffron indicated there may or may not be a trail easement required and an additional park dedication fee may be required over what was previously paid a number of years ago. In addition, the applicants are proposing to create a walking environment with pedestrian access to Navarre. Gaffron stated since this is a sketch plan review, the City Council is not expected to formally act on the proposal but merely provide direction to the applicant.