06-17-2013 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, May 20, 2013 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 25 Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. Matt Johnson, 1432 Shoreline Drive, stated they are the only residential property that directly abuts this situation. Johnson indicated he did prepare a letter that he can forward to the City and that he has also e-mailed some photographs for their review. Johnson stated they purchased the property last year. Prior to purchasing the property, they contacted the City and spoke with Melanie to make sure there was a residential buffer between their property and the marina operation. Johnson indicated they were told that area was zoned residential and it was made clear to us that the house that is on there is not to be used for commercial purposes. Johnson indicated they have two main concerns with this proposal. The first concern is the use of the residential property for commercial use, such as the parking and vehicle storage, the boat club accessory storage, and the use of the residential home. The second area of concern is the increase in required parking and pedestrian traffic. Johnson stated prior to moving in last summer, the situation, as described by Ms. Curtis, was that it was a residential area and there was only overflow parking allowed. As the summer progressed, the commercial use flowed right into our property and they were utilizing the entire gravel area for parking. The other piece is that the house is vacant and is in a terrible state of repair. There are windows that have been left open and fascia missing. In addition, the boat club staff uses the house during business hours for breaks and to store the goods of the boat club. Most concerning is the after-hours party house. The house has had Christmas lights up all year long and people shoot BB guns and paint ball guns on the property. On several occasions the parties have lasted all night, with the people leaving in the morning. Johnson noted there was one instance last year where they called the police after they heard what they thought were two gun shots in the middle of the night. The people at the house throw fire crackers and do other juvenile things. Johnson stated it was a very alarming situation that was quite intimidating. Johnson stated they noticed this spring that the residential properties are being used to store the boats and that they are not sure who even owns the property at this point. Johnson stated he did contact the bank that as their name on the deed and it is his understanding the parties have not purchased the property at this point. Johnson stated they are not aware of who to call to help rectify the situation. So at the present time there is the commercial use of a residential property. Johnson stated on top of that, the commercial activities are close, if not encroaching on their property line, which gives them full exposure to what is happening on that property. Susanne Johnson indicated they have had to relocate their pre-teenage daughter, who was in a bedroom that faced that house, to a more interior bedroom. Mr. Johnson illustrated the side of the house. Johnson stated the deck is also full of garbage. Susanne Johnson indicated it is industrial junk and there are also holes in the decking and snow fencing still on the property. Matt Johnson stated as it relates to the second point of contention, which is the increase in pedestrian traffic. Johnson noted he did receive a copy of Mr. Kujawa’s letter saying that there were zero parking Item #01 - PC Agenda - 06/17/2013 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 05/20/2013 [Page 11 of 25]