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 21 of 59 sinking. Ponzetti stated he is afraid that whatever is going to happen with this site is not going to make the situation better since the development will have an additional impact on the wetlands and will exacerbate the problem. Ponzetti stated whenever he goes up to the corner of Kelly and County Road 15, it takes two to three stoplights to take a right on to County Road 15. Ponzetti stated it is a terrible intersection, access is very difficult, and adding more cars will make the situation worse. Ponzetti indicated he is very much against the project. Ken Heimbach, 2525 Kelly Avenue, pointed out on the overhead the location of his property and the deciduous trees. Heimbach noted he would be able to see the units six months out of the year. In addition, there are four sloping driveways where the water comes down at once onto Kelly. By adding more hardcover, the water will go down Kelly and make the situation worse. Heimbach stated he could not get out of his driveway this spring due to the flooding. Heimbach stated there was so much more information that came out tonight that the neighbors were not aware of. Heimbach stated the project is much more complex than he realized and that in addition to the water problems, there are all of these beautiful houses that appreciate the wetlands in the area and that the City should not screw it all up. Elizabeth Sedgwick indicated she is here tonight representing the owners of 2605 Kelly Avenue. Sedgwick stated she would like to cite a conditional use permit that was granted in 1978, Conditional Use Permit No. 6400056, by the City of Orono, Resolution No. 3517, which permitted the excavation and creation of a Type III wetland involving the movement or exporting of approximately 600 cubic yards of fill within the street easement of the property located at 2605 Kelly Avenue. Sedgwick stated in her opinion the purpose of creating the wetland at that time 37 years ago was to provide a reservoir for storm water runoff. Sedgwick stated it is known that Kelly Avenue has been flooding for quite some time. Sedgwick indicated the photograph depicts a duck swimming down Kelly Avenue and that she thought the pictures would provide a better idea of the flooding experienced on Kelly Avenue. The last picture displays the entrance to the construction site at 2605 Kelly Avenue. Sedgwick indicated the flooding affects not just her client but all the neighbors throughout the season. Sedgwick stated her clients have Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/20/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 09/15/2014 [Page 21 of 59]