07-14-1980 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING OF THE ORONO COUNCIL, JULY 14 , 1980 Page 6 "Questions have been raised about the size of the CONDITIONAL USE PERMI greenhouse being proposed. We have proposed a 52 . 5 ft. by 48 ft. greenhouse and a future addition to its 1205 Arbor Street north side for a garage , storage and non-growing (Continued) activities. The greenhouse itself would be divided into three separate growing areas, each with different climatic conditions. We are concerned that there may be some confusion about the size and the implication which size may have on traffic . We currently have approximately 600 square feet of growing area. The arrangement is very crowded and layered four tiers in some areas. One of the reasons for a larger facility is to avoid having plants over other plants. Good light and air circulation are very im�ortant and our current conditions have passed a critical point. The proposed area would provide approximately four times as much growing area as we now have . During the first six months of this year , we have had 98 sales in 182 days or approximately one sale every other day. If four times as much growing area translated into four times as many sales, that would still only produce two sales per day. "We would also like to clarify our method of doing business : By appointment: We have come to the conclusion that having regular business hours would be a waste of our time. We do intend to have two to four open houses each year to accommodate those who choose not to make an appointment. We would have no objection to the Council stipulating such a method as a condition of granting the special use permit. Wholesale vs. retail : We have sold to several retail establishments on a wholesale basis. Orchids have generally proven to be an unsatisfactory prod�ct for these vendors. We do not believe that a whole sale business is viable and, in any event, we do not believe . it would change the traffic density of our proposed use . Product: Orchids are our primary interest. The only other type of plants which we have carried for sale are bromiliads, some tropical ferns and a few other exotic plants which are compatible with orchids. We have not sold more than 50 of these combined gernea in over two years. "We believe that this business is compatible with a residential neighborhood. Unreasonable traffic levels are unlikely. We intend to provide off-street parking and comply with screening ordinances. We would intend to provide natural screening where practical. We , recognize a responsibility to maintain the quality of the neighborhood. We would also like to point out that this location is only one block from County Road 146 using Lakeview Avenue, which is the most convenient access to the property. (Continued)