Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,September 18,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> different in this case because when the City was making the agreement to obtain that easement,at that <br /> time they decided they would put in two stubs. Kempf stated in his view that shows clear intent. <br /> As it relates to the buildable areas, 30 feet was given by Northern Oaks to the City. Kempf stated what <br /> the developer was looking for in that situation was to pack in as many lots from east to west as they could <br /> and that the 30-foot easement did not matter to them since it did not affect the number of lots that they <br /> were able to create. <br /> Kempf noted back in 1918,the City vacated that street and it was attached to the adjoining properties. <br /> As a result,Mary Schommer actually owns half of Northern Avenue. Kempf stated she has decided she <br /> does not want to plow it and that she is willing to give some of that back. Kempf noted it is a very <br /> different situation between Northern Oaks and this property because the 30 feet did not impact the <br /> usability of the lots in Northern Oaks. If 30 feet is required in this situation, she would be giving up the <br /> ability to sell the lots. <br /> Kempf stated as it relates to the statement that property subdivision is one of the few opportunities where <br /> the City has the ability to acquire necessary rights-of-road, all of these lots along Northern Avenue end <br /> just past the east lot. Kempf pointed out none of those lots will be subdivided and the City will never get <br /> 30 feet all the way down from Northern Oaks to the end of Northern Avenue, and even if they could get a <br /> complete stretch,the road ends at the next lot. Kempf stated he is not sure what the City would do with it <br /> and that it is not something the City needs. <br /> Kempf indicated he is in agreement with Staff that it is reasonable to give 15 feet but that it does not seem <br /> reasonable to give more simply because it makes the lots unbuildable. <br /> Thiesse asked about the front line of the buildable footprint. <br /> Kempf stated Mark Gronberg was unable to be here tonight but that he determined with the 15 feet and <br /> the front setback,they would be very, very close to the front line. Kempf stated part of the problem is the <br /> erratic boundary of the wetland. <br /> Curtis stated the wetland setback and buffer would be no less than 35 feet. <br /> Leskinen asked whether the Northern Oaks subdivision was an RPUD. <br /> Curtis indicated the resolution says RPUD but it is listed as PUD No. 9. <br /> Leskinen asked whether Staff has any preference. <br /> Curtis indicated they do not and that they are looking to see whether the Planning Commission is willing <br /> to allow some flexibility. <br /> Thiesse stated he recalls the developer wanted the lots along Northern Avenue to go through so the people <br /> would be responsible for that wetland area and that an easement was provided to get around to the other <br /> side. Thiesse stated in his view the two lots fit the neighborhood and that he is in favor of allowing some <br /> flexibility. <br /> Leskinen indicated she is in agreement with that. <br /> Page 19 of 21 <br />