Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rpud Density topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Orono commission signals support for 3‑lot RPUD concept at 245 Lindell/Ferndale Road N
Summary
At a May 19 sketch‑plan review, the commission told the applicant it would be willing to consider a three‑unit RPUD for a one‑acre lot at 245 Lindell/Ferndale Road North if revised plans demonstrate the development would function as an extension of neighboring Northgate 2 and include house‑size and open‑space comparisons.
The Orono Planning Commission on May 19 reviewed a concept RPUD (residential planned unit development) for 245 Lindell/Ferndale Road North and offered guidance that, in principle, favors a three‑unit configuration if the applicant can demonstrate design elements that make the site function as an extension of the nearby Northgate 2 neighborhood.
Planning staff (Miss Curtis) described the site as a one‑acre R1A lot guided in the comprehensive plan for urban low‑density residential (3–8 units per acre). The applicant, Darren Beckstrom, told commissioners the lot belongs to his family and said his proposal aims to provide a development pattern consistent with surrounding single‑family villa‑style homes. "We were thinking…we maybe would do it as 2 just because…But knowing that it's not likely that the staff would support an amendment to the comprehensive plan, we're more than welcome to the opportunity to present 3 on that lot," Beckstrom said.
Staff noted the RPUD is the most appropriate rezoning vehicle if flexibility is required for lot and setback standards, and asked the commission to weigh whether the proposed pads, open space and private roadway would make the site read as part of Northgate 2.
Commissioners repeatedly asked for comparisons of building pad sizes and typical house footprints in Northgate 2. The applicant said the proposed house foundations would be about 2,000 square feet (with finished homes roughly 3,300–3,700 sq ft). Commissioner Ressler said he would be supportive of three properties if the design demonstrates compatibility with the adjacent neighborhood: "If the other commissioners would like to weigh in the same, then at least give them some thoughts as to whether they wanna spend the money to pursue this further." Several commissioners agreed the RPUD process could provide the needed flexibility but asked the applicant to return with specific house‑size comparisons, a clearer open‑space plan and more fully developed engineering and site‑layout information.
Next steps: staff will provide guidance for a formal submittal and the applicant was told to prepare comparative footprint data and a draft open‑space/roadway plan. The commission did not take a formal vote; staff noted the matter will later go to city council during the application process.
