05-15-2017 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,April 17,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Nelson noted she spoke with the Council about it this year as well as Staff in years past and that in her view the City is missing the opportunity to address this with the Comprehensive Plan Update. Nelson stated it was suggested to her to wait until the Comprehensive Plan Update but nobody seems to want to address rezoning anything in the Comprehensive Plan because people think it will change the character of the neighborhood. Nelson commented the proposed ordinance will do the same thing. Nelson stated in her view massing will be an issue and is a far greater threat to the character of the neighborhood. Nelson stated she is asking that consideration be given to rezoning her neighborhood. Nelson noted no other house in her neighborhood could subdivide if it is rezoned to one acre. Nelson commented it is likely all of these small neighborhoods have a lot or two that contain a property similar to hers and they would feel like they were not given their full due by creating a situation like this. Nelson requested the Planning Commission reject Option 3 and to create a solution that will be more equitable to everybody. Barnhart noted Option 3 would be changing the setbacks applicable to specific zoning districts and that the ordinance tries to provide some flexibility based on nonconforming lots. Landgraver asked if Option 2 would allow a larger lot to be subdivided. Barnhart stated if the size requirement was changed,the property could be subdivided assuming they have the appropriate frontage. Landgraver commented there are probably only a handful of large lots located in a small lot neighborhood. Gaffron stated the boundaries of the neighborhood should probably be defined before making this type of decision. Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 12:10 p.m. Page 69 of 72