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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,October 16,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> structure low. Knutson stated the reason for the multiple doors is to provide for more than one way in and <br /> out to avoid the need to jockey stuff around. <br /> Chair Thiesse opened the public hearing at 8:52 p.m. <br /> Steve Pierce,259 Hollander Road, stated they purchased their house approximately ten years ago and that <br /> they looked very long and hard for land that would offer them some privacy. Pierce stated they purchased <br /> the home in November and took the time to consider what the property would be like when there are no <br /> leaves on the trees. With no leaves on the trees, someone standing on their property would be able to see <br /> a structure. Pierce noted this proposal will leave one homeowner with an enhanced property but their <br /> property will go in the opposite direction by negatively impacting their property values and privacy. <br /> Pierce stated in his view there are laws in place to control how close a structure can be to the property line <br /> and that they should be followed. The subject property has a whole lot of acreage and that he is not sure <br /> why it has to be located in an area where it could be an issue. Pierce stated the structure could be located <br /> on the other side. <br /> Kathy Pierce noted their property is lower than the subject property and that the existing small shed <br /> already looms above their property. Pierce expressed a concern that a bigger structure would be more <br /> looming on the edge. <br /> Knutson stated they are trying to achieve the same thing with the natural barrier so that when the leaves <br /> fall,they don't see each other. Knutson stated once the leaves fall, however, if they see him, he can also <br /> see them. Knutson noted the neighbors multiple garages and a swimming pool. Knutson stated he does <br /> not understand the issue about seeing the structure and that people everywhere see their neighbors' <br /> homes. Knutson stated he does not intend to cut any trees down and that he would be willing to add some <br /> pine trees. <br /> Schoenzeit asked if they are completely tearing down the existing structure. <br /> Knutson indicated he is. <br /> Thiesse asked if the garage going off at an angle could be placed in front of the proposed addition. <br /> Knutson indicated they located it there to maintain the circle. Knutson commented he wishes he could fit <br /> it somewhere else but that they have a pond and the topography drops it off quickly. Knutson stated the <br /> proposed location seems to be the only logical place. Knutson noted the hardcover is also way low for the <br /> lot. <br /> Lemke asked what the existing height of the garage is. <br /> Knutson stated he is guessing it is probably 20 feet. <br /> Oakden stated the existing garage is one story with a pitched roof and that they are proposing some attic <br /> space on the new garage. <br /> Knutson pointed out the attic space. Knutson indicated it will not be a live-in structure and would just be <br /> for storage,with a pull-down ladder to access the attic space. <br /> Page 22 of 32 <br />