02-22-1983 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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o o ~ ~ Planning Commission Minutes February 22, 1983 Page Three 5. Consider Land Use and Zoning Map - Presentation by City Planner, Zack Johnson The City Planner, Zack Johnson, discussed the changes proposed on the zoning map and indicated the changes developed from concerns regarding the number of variances and conditional use permits. The areas in question are primarily near the old village limits. Some of the changes were the area by Proctor and Jackson, Upland (by Cretex) and a slight change in the industrial area, downtown. The City Planner questioned if there should be more higher density along Meadowvale and Upland, possibly going from I to M.D. which was discussed at the January Planning Commis- sion meeting. The City Planner felt that the Planning Commission should look how land should be best used for the City in the long run. Land use should be the question and not land owners. The City Planner discussed separating land uses. He indicated that streets are not a good buffer to separate zones and further indicated he would prefer putting back yards together. The City Planner indicated it was his feeling that this was a better separation of land uses. Commissioner Hartman asked if the City Council can stipulate barriers. The City Planner indicated under some conditions you can, but that our City does not address barriers. Rick Breezee stated that the ordinance can require buffers and screening between commercial , industrial areas and residential zones. The City Planner indicated the Planning Commission should not interpret what the City Attorney and he are saying; that the City should change because of problems that have arisen. The map should be updated, but not because someone wants a var- iance. The City Planner indicated that variances should not be easy to get - they should be hard to come by. Commissioner Pearce questioned if the area down by the Orono Dam was zone changed, would this be spot zoning. The City Planner indicated that if it was rezoned, it would be consistent with the land use plan. Chip Martin, a resident of the City, questioned spot zoning. Walter Piwowar indicated that there was a lot of commercial property possible in that area by the Orono Dam, if it was rezoned. Rick Breezee indicated that if the land use map shows M.R., and if a piece of commer- cial zoned property was put in there, that would be spot zoning. Commissioner Hartman discussed Zack Johnson's interpretation.