07-21-2014 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, June 16, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 18 codes should be done to determine whether they already address this in a manner acceptable to the City. 9. While the submitted site plan is recognized as conceptual in nature, this site has a history of continually evolving and the City should look forward in time to understand the potential ultimate impacts of what is allowed within the context of a B-2 subdistrict. Gaffron noted a number of concepts and concerns were brought up by the public, the Planning Commissioners, and Staff during the May 19 meeting as well as the work session related to the specific rezoning application for this site and the submitted site plan. Those items are as follows: 1. Should the 1440 property remain residentially zoned as a buffer to the neighboring property; i.e., as a transitional property. 2. By reducing the proposed parking by six stalls, a buffer of 30 feet to the residential property could be achieved. 3. The Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would necessarily accompany a rezoning from residential use to commercial use could incorporate standards and limitations for use of the site. 4. Because these two properties are and have been a hybrid of residential and commercial uses, neither the applicant nor the neighbor should expect that their future will be completely commercial or completely residential. Both parties need to be accommodated. 5. If future buildings or changes to the physical aspects of the site were proposed in the future, a commercial site plan review/approval process would be required and would need Council approval. Gaffron stated if the Planning Commission concludes that it would be appropriate to pursue the creation of a B-2 subdistrict, it would be appropriate at this time to formalize that recommendation and direct that Staff bring it to the City Council for approval to move ahead. Creation of a new zoning district is a process over which the Council has a great deal of discretion and the Planning Commission should have Council’s approval before spending additional effort on this topic. Gaffron noted a letter was received from Timothy Keane, Attorney-at-Law, who represents the neighbors to the marina. Thiesse asked if the number of parking stalls being reduced is six or eight. Gaffron stated it is likely a total of eight, which leaves the back-up area. Thiesse stated the other one along the property line could also be eliminated. Lemke noted removal of that parking space would provide an additional 20 feet of buffer. Gaffron stated the whole row of parking along could be eliminated along the property line or elsewhere. Item #03 - PC Agenda - 07/21/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 06/16/14 [Page 3 of 18]