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 32 of 34 Gaffron stated shared driveways would be one way of reducing the amount of hardcover. Thiesse commented that the smiley face option appears to be a good solution, especially in light of the concerns raised by the neighbors. Leskinen stated she would be more in favor of a PRD since there would be an opportunity to preserve the back of the site. Leskinen commented the site is a beautiful parcel, but as it has been pointed out earlier, the Planning Commission cannot stop development if it conforms to the City codes. Leskinen indicated she is very much opposed to the back lot scenario with the long driveways and even the shared driveways under that scenario since shared driveways have been problematic in the past. Lemke suggested the applicants revise their plans more in accordance to what has been presented in the smiley face sketch. Leskinen stated the Planning Commission also needs to address the issue of the right-of-way. Landgraver commented requiring 50 feet might be an issue since the other properties along Northern Avenue have not been required to dedicate that much. Gaffron stated Staff’s recommendation for the 50 feet rather than the 30 feet has come about very recently. While it is possible to relocate the road with 30 feet, it would be difficult, and that 50 feet would meet the code. Leskinen commented that 50 feet might be too much of a luxury if they also want to go with the PRD scenario and preserve the back portion of the site. Thiesse stated it could be 30 feet with a utility easement off to the side. Landgraver stated in his view the back lots on this development do not work and that pulling the development forward under the PRD scenario would help preserve a lot of the natural area as well as assist with the drainage. Schoenzeit stated leaving somewhere around 40 percent of the property untouched is a win/win solution and helps demonstrate to the neighborhood that a lot of things will not change as a result of the development. Landgraver noted the lots would not be 100 feet wide and that the homes would be more compacted together. Leskinen noted a planned unit development does allow for some flexibility in the width of the lots and clustering of homes, which is a compromise in order to preserve more of the natural areas. Leskinen commented she appreciates the level of passion the neighbors have shown regarding their neighborhood and that the City will take those comments into consideration. Gaffron recommended the application be tabled if the applicant is okay with that. Landgraver asked if the applicant is amenable to tabling the application. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 10/21/2013 Approval of PC Minutes 09/16/2013 [Page 32 of 34]