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 19 of 59 five units. Fredrickson stated they do not have a road that is accessible throughout the year even though the City knew about the flooding problems last year. Fredrickson noted pictures of the flooding have been included in the Planning Commission’s packet. Fredrickson stated the other issue she would like to raise is safety and that the entrance as it is proposed is in a dangerous spot. Fredrickson noted at Kelly and County Road 15 is Lund’s and that it is extremely difficult to take a left onto Kelly Avenue or to get out of the Lund’s parking lot As a result, what is happening because of the huge traffic backup on the corner of County Roads 15 and 19 at the stoplight, there are large trucks and people in cars that will take a quick cut on Kelly Avenue, driving all the way down and taking either Lydia or Shadywood. Fredrickson indicated there are trucks going 50 miles an hour down Kelly. Fredrickson stated what the City needs to know is that the residents on Kelly bought into the idea of a quiet street. If ten families are added, even if they are retired, would add to the volume of traffic and that there will be 20-plus cars going in and out, which does not include visitors. Fredrickson stated the last issue is visibility of the development. Fredrickson indicated she looked at the 1981 Delaney agreement with the City of Orono and it says that no structure shall be constructed, erected or placed upon this land, including, without limitation, fences, hardcover or roads of any nature or any other structure or improvement inconsistent with the natural state of the land. No trees, shrubs or vegetation shall be destroyed or removed from the land. Fredrickson stated she does not understand why so many things need to be special about this development and that the agreement is something that the Delaneys knew when they purchased the land. Fredrickson stated she has talked to the majority of the neighbors and they do not want the project as proposed. Fredrickson stated this is not just a piece of paper but their neighborhood. Stewart Alger, Attorney-at-Law, stated he is here on behalf of the Fredricksons, Alex Ware, Gary and Brian Schroeder, Brent Lindgren, Jim Schmidt, and Scott and Jill Wine. Alger stated he would like to emphasize a couple of points. First of all, the neighbors would like the Planning Commission to deny the application or at least extend the period in which the City will make a decision on this application so that the neighbors have an opportunity to fully understand what is going on here and prepare their comments. Alger stated in his view the Planning Commission will benefit from the residents’ careful review and that from the homeowners’ perspective, the application is moving very fast. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/20/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 09/15/2014 [Page 19 of 59]