10-20-2014 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 15, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 17 of 59 Waslow stated as mentioned earlier by Mr. Bessesen, by moving the driveway up to the north side of the site, it will cause less disturbance to the trees and that they can minimize the road width by providing some visitor parking at each unit. Waslow indicated each resident will have two stalls as well as a driveway that would allow two cars to be parked there. The units themselves would be a combination of the first floor with a great room, master bedroom suite and laundry. The lower level would consist of a family room and guest bedrooms. McGrann asked what the height of the units would be on the back side as you are looking up from Kelly. Waslow stated given the way the grade falls and the fact that the units would have a walkout basement, it would be approximately 18 feet to the eave line for some of the units and 15 to 16 feet on the other units. Waslow stated they do not want to change the grade very much. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Judy Fredrickson, 2507 Kelly Avenue, stated she respects the right of a property owner to develop their property, but at the same time her comments are around the fact that that right should not affect others in a negative way and be at their expense. Fredrickson noted a number of neighbors are in attendance tonight, and that she is also here on behalf of Christine and Dave Hardten, Mark Schmidt and Jim Depo who were not able to attend tonight. Fredrickson indicated Mr. Mack has been very courteous to talk to and responded promptly to questions. Fredrickson stated it was a huge deal for them to purchase their house, which happens to be the one with the turnaround built by the City. Fredrickson indicated they used to live in Shorewood and that house sold for less than $600,000. Fredrickson reiterated that it was a very big deal for them to move to Kelly Avenue and live on the lake. At the time they were considering moving to Orono, Fredrickson indicated they went to the City and asked what could happen with the wetlands directly across the street. Fredickson noted the proposed development is directly across from their property. Fredrickson indicated they were told that no construction could happen because it was all wetlands and that they strongly believe this project will affect the property values in the neighborhood. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/20/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 09/15/2014 [Page 17 of 59]