10-24-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 10, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 11. #16-3855 ERIC AND ANDREA LARSON, 690 BROW ROAD NORTH, SCOTT AND JEANNE MABUSTH, 740 BROWN ROAD NORTH — SKETCH PLAN REVIEW (continued) In those situations, lots were created around 100 years ago and later developed at a high density. The idea was that those properties would eventually obtain sewer but are still considered part of the rural area. Gaffron stated during the drafting of the 2000 Comprehensive Plan, the City realized there were areas around the lake that have not been brought into the sewered area even though they had been sewered. It seemed to be the logical thing at that time to eventually require every lakeshore lot be sewered. At this time approximately 95 or 97 percent of those lots have been sewered but there are still some properties that have not been. Those properties were brought into the MUSA in 2000, which allows them to be provided with municipal sewer. Gaffron stated the issue with that was that the Metropolitan Council was requiring that any newly sewered acres need to have a density of at least three units per acre. Gaffron stated the City, with its most recent Comprehensive Plan, agreed with the Metropolitan Council that those areas that are guided for low density would require the City to re -guide other properties within the City for higher density. As a result of the last Comprehensive Plan Amendment, the Eisinger site was guided for higher density as well as some other properties. The intent was to create a buffer in terms of the Metropolitan Council density calculation that is based on new development. In order for the City to allow certain properties to be developed as two acre lots and be sewered, other properties within the City have been reguided at a higher density. Gaffron stated based on that, the City was being proactive in providing the ability for existing large lots on the lakeshore to be provided with sewer and not be at the higher density levels that the Metropolitan Council would normally require. The Metropolitan Council has agreed with that. In addition, as a result on some recent developments, the City has reguided some areas in Navarre for higher densities, but the City still has the buffer in place to allow the low density lakeshore lots to be developed with sewer. McMillan noted even though this is not a public hearing, given the interest by the public, she will open the meeting up to public comment following the developer's presentation and Council feedback. Tom Goodrum, Senior Planner with Westwood Engineering, indicated he will go through their presentation, address some of the comments in Staff's report, and then answer any questions the Council may have. Goodrum noted the minutes of the Planning Commission were very thorough and that they provide a good background for what was previously discussed. Goodrum stated they have been looking at this property for three years now and that it is a very unique property. Goodrum noted it consists of 27 acres located on Long Lake, with Brown Road being on the other side of the property. In the surrounding area there are other two -acre properties in the Sugar Woods development, senior housing, apartment buildings, commercial uses, and downtown Long Lake, which is a pretty dense area. Goodrum stated they are taking the opportunity with this development to improve the natural amenities, complement those surrounding areas, and serve as a good transition site from the lake to the nearby residential neighborhood. Goodrum noted a sketch plan review is designed to take a look at the piece of the property and see whether the proposed development makes common sense, meets City goals and policies, and then allow for discussion on the design by the Council and the neighbors. Page 11 of 26