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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION <br />Monday, October 21, 2013 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 29 of 42  <br />  <br />Gehr stated the drainage pattern will remain as is and noted that the Watershed District may require some <br />revegetation of those areas as well as enhancement of the wetlands to enrich the habitat. <br /> <br />The majority of the home sites are wrapped in a contiguous perimeter of open space under the cluster <br />proposal. These areas will be encumbered by an easement and protected in their natural state. The <br />physical attributes of the land are generally respected. Gehr stated the cluster plan provides open space <br />and an opportunity to enhance the ecology, is a low impact use of the property, provides valuable open <br />space corridor and a 1.5 mile walking path. The cluster development also takes it further with the micro- <br />clustering and the lots are separated by open space. The cluster development intends to produce a <br />beautiful neighborhood on a great site and will be a source of pride for the residents and neighbors in the <br />area. <br /> <br />Gehr noted City Staff has fairly well covered the issue of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and that <br />they would like the Planning Commission’s input on the development itself. <br /> <br />Gehr noted under the previous plan there was an access point off of North Arm, with the road meandering <br />through the development and then exiting onto North Arm. The revised proposal eliminates the access <br />out to North Arm and focuses the access to the property off of West Branch Road. <br /> <br />Gehr pointed out the location of the pool and clubhouse on the overhead. Gehr noted the road will <br />extend to the north and northeast to access the homes. Being proposed at this time are 59 home sites. <br />While a fair amount of work has currently been undertaken, additional work such as wetland delineations <br />and survey work needs to be completed before there is a final lot count and a preliminary plat submission <br />to the City. <br /> <br />Gehr noted they held a meeting last week with the neighbors and that he is sure they have concerns and <br />issues they would like to address with the Planning Commission. Gehr stated in their view, with the <br />access now being located off of West Branch, some of their concerns have been alleviated. Gehr stated <br />he was also encouraged by the neighbors to walk the site. Gehr indicated he did walk the site and that he <br />understands that sections of North Arm are dangerous since there are no shoulders. Gehr indicated the <br />decision was made to eliminate access onto North Arm for that reason and other reasons expressed by the <br />neighbors. <br /> <br />Hiller stated they would like the Planning Commission to consider the PRD. <br /> <br />Lemke noted 59 is the optimum number based on the two acre lots and asked how many realistically the <br />site will accommodate. <br /> <br />Gehr indicated they are working their way through that and that the soils and topography of the property <br />are currently being looked at as well as some percolation work being done on the site. Gehr indicated at <br />the present time they are looking at 59 lots. <br /> <br />Thiesse asked if the developer would just need to identify two septic sites per lot or whether percolation <br />tests are required. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated the developer would need to conduct percolation testing on each of the lots. <br /> <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 11/18/2013 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 10/21/2013 <br />[Page 29 of 42]