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 42 of 59 Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 9:40 p.m. Lisa Wysocki, 1555 Orchard Beach Place, pointed out there are three homes on the road and not two as previously stated. Wysocki noted the person who purchased the property in approximately 1980 knew that the lot was unbuildable when he purchased it because he had commented to the neighbors about that but that he had friends on the Orono City Council and that he thought he could get them to change their mind and make it a buildable lot. Wysocki stated she feels for the current property owners since it is a bad investment. Wysocki stated any home on the lot would block their views and that they have had that view for 57 years. Wysocki stated in addition to the average lakeshore setback, the lot is very wet and puddles and floods regularly. Wysocki indicated it is basically a drain field for a 5-acre piece of property and that a portion of her gravel driveway basically ends up in that lot every year. Wysocki stated the trees on the lot currently help absorb the water that goes into that lot naturally, and that if any trees were removed, it would impact the wetness of the lot. Wysocki stated she is also concerned about the setback being reduced from 30 feet back to 12.5 feet, which would be right up against their property lot. Wysocki noted there would also be very little parking available. Wysocki stated there is a city pumping station at the end of the road and that there are routinely two or three cars down at the end of the lane which leaves no place for guests to park. Wysocki noted this issue has come up a number of times in the past and that the Orono Planning Commission and City Council have denied it every single time. Wysocki indicated she is opposed to the request. Les Delton, 1535 Orchard Beach Place, stated he is opposed to the project. Delton stated while the property does not necessarily flood, the property is continually wet. Given the wet spring, there was water flowing down onto this property for approximately a month. Delton stated they also have a view of the lake from their deck and that to go from trees to a house is not something that they want. Delton stated they were always told it was a fire lane and that no parking was allowed in the fire lane. Delton stated with very little driveway, they would need to park on the road. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/20/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 09/15/2014 [Page 42 of 59]