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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,June 19,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Sandra Keegan,Walters Point Lane,stated the height is the scary part of this proposal,and once someone <br /> puts up a building that size,there is no going back. Keegan stated in his view Navarre is changing for the <br /> better,but that this property has been vacant for a while so they do not have to rush to develop it. <br /> Tom Goodrum stated in his view they can work with Staff on the RPUD standards and that they are <br /> willing to put a trail in. <br /> Goodrum noted they have heard several times concerns about the size of the parcel. Goodrum noted they <br /> have more than 2.5 acres with this parcel and that they can add 18 more acres to the property. Goodrum <br /> stated in his opinion these items can be resolved. <br /> Goodrum stated as it relates to the traffic,it comes down to perception,and that the actual traffic numbers <br /> show what is happening out. In addition,in regards to height,Orono has other similar buildings three and <br /> four stories high that have been approved,and that it comes down to someone's perception of the height. <br /> Alex Ugorets, 175 Brentwood Road, stated he can understand why the residents are not happy about the <br /> project since it will impact their lives. Ugorets stated any development will affect the neighborhood but <br /> that 30 feet only allows for a two-story building with a decent ceiling height. Ugorets stated the footprint <br /> is the way it has to be, and that if they are talking about 20 units versus 40 units,there is no way in this <br /> day and age a building can be constructed for that few units. <br /> Ugorets commented he also cannot think of another project that will minimize the traffic and fit all the <br /> criteria that everybody desires. Ugorets stated he would love to accommodate everybody here,but if he <br /> did that,it would be a parking lot,which is not going to happen. Ugorets noted an office building will <br /> generate more traffic. <br /> Ugorets stated the higher the building,the more people want to be on the upper floor for the views. <br /> Ugorets stated the building they are proposing is barely making it,but what makes it feasible is to put the <br /> penthouse up there. <br /> Ugorets requested the Planning Commission to either deny or approve the application. If it is denied,the <br /> City should revisit the Comprehensive Plan and guide people for something that is doable on this site and <br /> not somebody's dream. Ugorets stated he understands the property is guided to 15 units per acre and that <br /> they can move some property lines around to meet the density. <br /> Ugorets stated he would like to get clear direction on whether the Planning Commission recommends <br /> approval or denial before he spends any more money on the project. Ugorets stated the footprint and <br /> height are in stone and that he will not redesign and come back with another project. <br /> Ugorets stated people in single-family homes or townhouse projects do not want to live next to an office <br /> building. Ugorets stated every time there is a multi-family building guided,it is next to a busy road,and <br /> that they changed their proposal from an apartment building to condominiums because they thought the <br /> residents would be happier with the condominiums <br /> Chair Thiesse closed the public hearing at 8:12 p.m. <br /> Schoenzeit stated it is clear that the intersection of County Roads 19 and 15 does not work and that 95 <br /> percent of the traffic comes from the south and the other three directions are almost empty. Schoenzeit <br /> Page 14 of 17 <br />