06-23-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, June 23, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 19 of 30 (8. 14-3666 LUKE KUJAWA ON BEHALF OF EOF INVESTMENTS, LLC, 1440-1442 SHORELINE DRIVE – REZONING, Continued) McMillan stated she is also not saying that what exists now is an ideal situation but that the zoning is still residential over those two lots. McMillan stated the option that would work out best for both the marina and the residential property would be to leave one of the properties residential to act as a buffer. Kujawa stated it is hard to swallow that someone purchased a home next to a marina and is now complaining that there are boats there. McMillan stated in the past the Council has been very protective of the residential nature of this area but that there have been some concessions to the marina to allow parking. McMillan stated she does not see the situation as being one where it is strictly commercial and that she would like to try to figure out a solution that provides a protective buffer but yet allows the marina to accomplish more on at least one of the lots. McMillan stated if the applicant is interested in exploring that, it would require a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, or else the applicant can leave it as is. McMillan stated creation of a sub-district does not appeal to her. Printup indicated he would rather avoid saying things about neighbors and who bought what. Printup stated he understands how the applicant feels about it being partially zoned commercial and that many times he wonders why things were done the way they were done way back when. Printup stated he is not jumping in with both feet to keep one of the lots residential but that he is interested in learning more if the parking easement can be changed. McMillan noted the lots are not partially zoned commercial but that they have had some commercial activity on them. Kujawa stated the area on the other side is zoned commercial. Gaffron stated on the east side of the road those portions of the lots are zoned commercial. Gaffron stated the parking agreements over 1440 and 1442 occurred back in the 1980s and possibly the late 1970s. Gaffron stated approximately two years ago the City required the owners to put together a permanent lease situation to establish the parking that goes with the marinas. The parking agreement will likely stay in place unless the City and the property owners agree to change it. Gaffron stated the applicant has made some commitments to improve the property and that the Planning Commission would like to develop a plan that accomplishes the protection of the neighbor but at the same time gives the marina owner the ability to do some improvements that will address some of the safety issues and environmental issues. McMillan noted the City Council has not seen a formal plan yet for the site. Gaffron stated the Comprehensive Plan Amendment process would allow the City to establish goals for the two lots and that there are a number of issues that still need to be explored. Gaffron stated the plan that has been submitted is not the plan that the City will likely end up with.