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 21 of 34 Curtis stated the wetland will not be touched. The setback, as determined by the Watershed District and the City, required the developer to grant the City easements protecting that area. In addition, the conservation easement also helps to protect the area. The developer will be conducting some buckthorn removal in that area but it does not allow him to clear-cut the area. Curtis pointed out the entire perimeter of the site has a conservation easement on it as well as a wetland buffer area. Brad Pass, 235 North Arm Lane, stated if the City is concerned about the contrived appearance of the boulevard and are considering cutting down a number of trees because the appearance might be contrived, they should consider the appearance of having a treeless area in the middle of a wooded area, which is what is contrived. Pat Thull stated she misunderstood what the purpose of tonight’s meeting was because she did not have the background information relating to the application. Thull stated her understanding was that it related to a reduction in trees. Thull asked whether those trees could be relocated to another area. Leskinen noted what is at issue this evening is not trees that will be cut down but relates to how many trees the builder will be required to plant. Thull asked if 15 trees will not be planted along the boulevard, whether they can be relocated elsewhere. Leskinen stated the Planning Commission can discuss that option. Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. Schoenzeit stated based on what he has heard, the neighbors would prefer that the trees that are being proposed to not be planted along the boulevard be planted elsewhere on the site. Curtis noted the placement of the trees on the boulevard is land that is not considered private and that there would have to be some additional protections built in to assure that the tree that was planted by the developer in a different area will be sustained for two years. The trees would need to be placed in an area that the developer controls. Curtis stated she understands wanting to incorporate additional trees on the property but that it needs to be pointed out that an additional step would need to be taken if that happens. Lemke asked if there are supposed to be 42 trees. Curtis indicated the revised plan shows additional trees along Bayside Road. The circled areas depict the trees and the type of tree is listed on the lower right of the plan. Landgraver noted a number of the neighbors have expressed concerns about protecting the beauty of the area but that it sounds like the developer has taken those things into consideration. Landgraver noted the City Council has also weighed on this application. What the Planning Commission has before them tonight is responsive to the concern raised by the City Council that the boulevard area be made more natural looking. Landgraver moved, McGrann seconded, to approve Application #13-3630, Bill Coffman on behalf of Erwin Wachman, Bayside Meadows, granting of a reduction in the number of trees to be planted along the boulevard. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/21/2013 Approval of PC Minutes 09/16/2013 [Page 21 of 34]