10-21-2013 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, September 16, 2016 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 34 Curtis noted it would need to be 25 feet or higher to be considered a bluff. Lin Yan, Applicant, indicated they just purchased the house May 30, and shortly thereafter there were a number of storms which led them to discover a couple of problems with the property. The first problem relates to the back yard and how it is laid out. Whenever there is a heavy storm, basically the property turns into a riverfront and is not a lakefront. The second problem deals with a large amount of erosion that is occurring on the easement adjacent to the property. Lin Yan noted his property is the lowest point on Cherry Place, which results in a lot of water runoff to his property. Lin Yan stated after the storms, they noticed a number of roots around the trees were exposed and mud was washing into the lake. As a result of the runoff, Lin Yan indicated his shoreline is no longer sandy but full of mud. Lin Yan stated they are attempting to come up with a solution to manage the stormwater and help decrease the runoff into the lake. One option is to open up 40 to 50 feet in the back yard and have landscaping in that area to help slow down the runoff. Lin Yan indicated they did meet with City Staff this morning and that it sounds like there is an agreement with the City Engineer to come up with a plan for better management of the stormwater in the back yard and on the easement. Lin Yan stated if the erosion continues, it will significantly impact his property. Clairson Dutra stated that he would like the Planning Commission to understand that they are not attempting to improve the view since the house already has a good view but that they are trying to fix the drainage. There is already a good view from the first and second floors of the home and the Yans do not anticipate utilizing the basement very much. Dutra pointed out on the overhead the area that experiences the runoff and has accumulation of water. Dutra stated the water in that area could create instability in the hill and that they are attempting to divert the water away from the house and keep the mud out of the lake. Lin Yan commented Cherry Place is very steep, and that given his observations, it appears a majority of the water comes from the street. The land erosion goes up to North Arm Drive and is also occurring in the area near the lake. Lin Yan indicated he has counted four dead trees in that area already. The plan is to regrade that area and let the water go through the grass, which will help slow down the stormwater that flows into the lake. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. Leskinen commented this is a challenging site and that the back yard does slope down to the basement. Thiesse asked what the reason is for Staff’s recommendation that the application be tabled. Curtis indicated the applicant has provided some additional information but that their survey still reflects a similar grading plan to what was originally proposed for the 0-75 foot zone. Curtis requested the Planning Commission provide some direction on what they would like to see happen in that area. If the Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/21/2013 Approval of PC Minutes 09/16/2013 [Page 4 of 34]