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 18 of 34 new roadway every 40 feet. The result of such uniform spacing may appear to be contrived rather than a more natural variation. The road for the Bayside Meadows plat results in 2,270 linear feet of frontage requiring 57 trees. The approved plan reflects the code required number and placement of the boulevard trees. The applicant has provided a revised plan at the Council’s suggestion reflecting a more thoughtful placement of 42 trees. Curtis noted this is not a variance request as noted on the agenda and more of a waiver of the requirement since the applicant was asked by the City Council to review this issue. The Code allows for the City Council to waive certain requirements as deemed appropriate. Staff finds the placement and number of proposed boulevard trees to be a better fit for a rural design and recommends approval. Bill Coffman, Applicant, stated he is here tonight on behalf of Shelly Wachman, the owner of the property for the past 20 years. Coffman indicated they concur with Staff’s recommendations. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. Carolyn Meyers stated she owns the property behind this new development. Meyers stated she has a concern because Bayside Meadows is above the wetlands and having fewer trees is not to the advantage of any kind of runoff or water absorption. There is now 1.65 acres that is now impermeable and that adding trees, not subtracting trees would be more advantageous since they would help absorb the water. Pat Thull, 210 North Shore Drive, stated she has a couple of issues. Thull indicated their property is located on the south side of the development and look down on the site. Thull stated when she was in attendance at the last meeting, the application was pretty much in place and that there were two acre lots being proposed, which is not really typical for this area. The area is more rural and consists of woods, waterways, and wetlands. Thull stated she does not have an objection to development of the property but that she would have had issue with the number of houses being built on the site. Thull stated the plan depicted a buffer along one area of trees and currently there is not a single tree in that buffer line. That issue was discussed in the last meeting and it was agreed that trees would be placed in that area. Thull stated the five trees being proposed are not adequate because it was agreed by the Planning Commission that the tree line in the buffer area should replicate the general current tree line and that it should be conducive to the natural environment and look of the area. The layout of the homes is not natural and appears odd looking. Thull stated the other issue deals with the wetland. The wetland was reclassified which allows for closer infringement in the wetland area and takes away from the natural environment. Thull stated removing additional trees does not make sense, does not retain the natural environment and that she would prefer to see more trees rather than fewer trees. Thull indicated she agrees with Caroline Meyers as it relates to the additional runoff going into the wetlands. Carol Pass, 235 North Arm Lane, stated their property is probably the one that is most impacted by this development. The whole southern and eastern border with the exception of one area is connected to their property. Pass indicated they created a conservation easement across their southern border of their property in an effort to help maintain the wildlife and natural environment. Pass commented this area is Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/21/2013 Approval of PC Minutes 09/16/2013 [Page 18 of 34]