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 30 of 34 Quam noted under the current proposal there would be a driveway put in right next to his bedroom, which is ridiculous, and that he does not want to hear cars drive in and out during the day and at night. Quam noted a driveway that close to his property would also result in his property losing value, which is a major concern for him. Quam reiterated he is very much against the original proposal for this property. Quam stated as it relates to the lots in the back, they do not conform to the neighborhood and that all of the rest of the houses in the neighborhood face Northern Avenue. Quam indicated the smiley face option is probably more conducive to the neighborhood and would have less environmental impact. Quam indicated he also has concerns regarding runoff from the driveway and the property adjacent to his. Joel Zelkowski, 3705 Togo Road, stated he would like to confirm what Ralph Kempf said about the drainage. Without a storm sewer system or a collection area, the amount of water would be increased and then diverted to a different area. Zelkowski indicated he is also opposed to Lot 6, which is directly behind his garage. Linda Peterson, 3710 Togo Road, stated she would also like to concur with the statements made by Ralph Kempf. Peterson indicated she has lived in this area for 30 years and that there is a variety of wildlife that also live in this area. Peterson commented she is not so naïve as to think the property would not be sold someday and developed, but that she has a concern regarding the amount of homes being proposed as well as the back lots. Peterson stated she would prefer the smiley face option but that she still has a concern amount the number of homes. Peterson stated in her view they should conform to the 100-foot width standards. Peterson indicated she would be opposed to the plan proposed by the applicant. Lisa Vinje, 3670 Togo Road, pointed out the location of her property on the overhead. Vinje stated she is very concerned about the runoff and the impact that will have on her property, which is low. Vinje indicated every spring they get flooded out and that she agrees with what everyone else has said regarding the property. Ralph Kempf stated he would also like to indicate that he agrees with what Linda Peterson said in regards to maintaining the 100-foot width. Kempf stated as it relates to the back lots, they would require long driveways going past the other homes, and instead of a natural back yard, they would have another house. Kempf stated the reason there are a number of stipulations on back lots is because back lots are not good for anybody but the developer who is trying to squeeze in another lot. Kempf stated he would encourage the Planning Commission to retain the 100-foot width as well. Alex Gonzales, 3720 Togo Road, stated he is opposed to the project and that he is also concerned about the biodiversity. There are a number of deer in the area and over 20 kinds of bird species. In the wintertime you can see the deer trails over the entire property. Gonzales stated his other concern relates to the drainage and that this area acts as a natural filter. Gonzales commented he likes the way his neighborhood is currently and that he does not feel the development is appropriate as proposed. Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 9:35 p.m. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/21/2013 Approval of PC Minutes 09/16/2013 [Page 30 of 34]