11-18-2013 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2013 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 31 of 42 Johnson stated after reviewing the City’s 2010-2030 Comprehensive Plan, he and many others were struck at how perfectly this property reflects the Community Management philosophy that seeks to preserve and protect the City’s many natural resources, open spaces, land patterns, dark skies, local character and identity. Johnson noted those are values that have caused many of the neighbors to live in this area. Johnson stated the neighbors would also like to ask the Planning Commission to listen to what folks have said in the petition but also to what has not been said. Johnson stated the people who have signed the petition do not deny Lakeview the right to sell a property that is not economically viable. The signers have nothing but understanding and good will towards the present owners and everything they have done over the years. The neighbors are also not criticizing the intended developers who, to their credit, have proposed to protect and preserve as much of the green space as possible. Johnson stated the petition also does not jump to the conclusion that the only alternative is for Orono to purchase the property. What those who have signed the petition are asking for is to delay the change in land use guidance until a committee group that consists of concerned citizens have a chance to study those alternatives. Johnson stated it could be done a number of ways within a reasonable time period. Johnson noted the petition does raise a concern for the unintended consequences of this development on the nearby residences. Johnson noted some of those concerns are being addressed by the developers but many more concerns will come up. If the result of the delay is that there is not a feasible alternative, the time spent on that effort will give all involved additional time to look at the development and address those other concerns. The final result will be the best compromise for the City of Orono, the developer, the neighbors, and the future occupants of the development. Johnson stated in summary they are asking the Planning Commission to stop the immediate, irrevocable guidance change, look at the unique asset, and listen to the reasonable expectations of the people and then proceed with caution. Johnson stated the City owes it to future generations who may ask how the open spaces disappeared. Michael Flannery, 525 Park Lane, stated he would like to thank the Wenkstern family for the tremendous asset the Lakeview and Red Oak Golf Courses have been to the community. Flannery indicated he and his extended family have played golf in Orono for many years and that in his view these two golf courses have been and can continue to be, at least in the case of Lakeview, viable options for the City of Orono. Flannery noted he happened to see Grant Wenkstern’s letter on the counter of the Lakeview Golf Course and that he had no idea of the financial difficulties the Wenkstern family was facing. Flannery stated this application has prompted him to wonder if there would not be some way for the community to maintain Lakeview as a public golf course. Flannery indicated he is not a real estate developer, but that it occurred to him the City has the 9-hole golf course that receives a lot of play and that that golf course could be an excellent site for development. Flannery stated one option that could be considered is the City could sell the 9-hole golf course for development, use those funds to purchase this golf course, and then run it as a municipal golf course with an eye toward expanding its scope somewhat on the order of the St. Louis Park Recreational Center. Flannery stated he agrees that it would be a terrible shame to lose this wonderful resource and that he would encourage the City to delay any action to allow them time to consider other options that would enhance the quality of life here in Orono. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 11/18/2013 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 10/21/2013 [Page 31 of 42]