02-12-2018 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 12, 2018 7:00 o'clock p.m. City should try to provide more affordable housing options and that they are looking at this site as one option. Seals stated there are some areas in Orono that offer affordable housing but that she struggles with the Metropolitan Council dictating what happens in this area. Seals asked what would happen if the City Council does not approve this. Dankey stated the City Council also needs to consider whether Orono is willing to expand the schools as well if higher density is approved. Barnhart stated the school district obtains an understanding of the new growth in the area from the City and that part of the formal Comprehensive Plan Update process does involve the school district. Barnhart stated the question for tonight is whether the City is open to changing the zoning on this site. Walsh noted this development is consistent with the area. Sealsstated sheis besittant to allowtng the Me—tio-FoLAW. to drive the Oyronv 5111%,V people move out to this area to get away from the higher density. Walsh noted next door there is a senior housing project as well as the Stonebay development, which are basically two apartment complexes. Walsh asked whether the Council agrees that there is justification for changing the zoning. Rief stated based on the Navarre Area Study, there is plenty of office space in the metro area and that it is unlikely someone will come out here and build an office complex. Printup stated the Council might want to re -discuss at a work session the possibility of sending a letter to the Metropolitan Council in conjunction with other cities about their density goals. Printup stated this location is probably more appropriate than in the middle of another neighborhood. 18. #18-4002 JOHN PATCH OB/O BERKSHIRE PARTNERS, 2745 KELLEY PARKWAY, CONCEPT PLAN, APARTMENT BUILDING, 8:26 P.M. — 9:00 P.M. — Continued Walsh stated the Council is looking at changing this site from office to residential and getting credit for the density. Crosby stated he is on the fence because that gives the okay for more density. Barnhart stated the City has identified in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan that higher density will go in the Navarre area. Staff is suggesting higher density should be put on this site rather than in the Navarre area because the rationale is that this is a better location for it. Crosby concurred that if the City is going to have higher density, this would be a better spot for it. Walsh stated as it relates to Item B, it would be consistent with what has already been approved next door and would be in character with the area. Walsh pointed out if this development is approved, the City Page 14 of 22