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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 10, 2009 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 7 structure. Batty commented they have looked at other requirements in other cities and that their proposal generally meets those requirements except for the parking. Batty stated they are requesting the City Council provide some guidance on their expectations for what they would like to see for this site. Bremer stated she does reside in this area and that she personally would like to see another type of structure there but that she likes the current tenants. Bremer stated the Navarre area needs tenant space that is affordable but in her opinion the structure being proposed is too long. Another issue is the lack of parking in the area. The City must help ensure that sufficient parking is available for the customers of all the businesses in that area and that it is not a good idea to build over all of the space that could be utilized for that purpose. Bremer indicated she would be supportive of a structure between the two buildings and would like to see the trees preserved. Bremer stated ultimately it is up to the architect and Mr. Habib to design something that is suitable for the site which complies with the City’s regulations as much as possible. Habib stated it does not make economic sense to do anything less than what is being proposed and that he would like to own this property for the long-term. Habib indicated they elected to go with the longer building because the neighbors have expressed concern with a two-story structure. Habib stated if they construct anything in the middle, they would need to redo all the electrical in the buildings. Bremer asked whether he has received inquiries from any new tenants. Habib stated they did approach Subway and they said yes but that Erik’s Bikes declined to lease space. White stated the City Council cannot look at the economic factors when considering an application and that being the property owner he will need to make the decision on what to construct. White stated in his opinion the plan as presently proposed is simply too much for the lot and would typically not be allowed. White stated the plan must be brought more into compliance with the City’s regulations, and recommended the applicant look at the site as if it were empty and design something that meets as many of the City’s requirements as possible. Batty stated they will look at the site to see how it can be cleaned up. Batty asked whether there is any merit to meeting with Staff to discuss their different options. Batty stated if they are required to comply with every single ordinance of the City, they would be forced to take down a portion of the building. Murphy noted he and Council Member Franchot did meet with the owner to discuss some of the issues and that he has concerns when the Council is asked to design a building. Murphy stated the City does grant variances from time to time but not to the degree that is being requested here. Murphy stated the City would like to see this property improved but that they cannot approve something to this degree. Murphy indicated he would be in favor of tabling the application to allow the applicant time to redesign their plans. Franchot indicated he does concur with the comments already expressed and that in his view the applicant is looking for concrete direction on what will be allowed for this site. Franchot stated the parking in the area is a challenge. Bremer stated in order to reduce the demand for parking, the size of the building must be reduced. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 08/24/09 Approval of Council Minutes 08/10/09 [Page 7 of 12]