02-18-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 18, 1997 ( #7 - #2209 Spring Hill Golf Club - Continued) Krueger reported that the golf course property is a link between Wolsfeld Woods and Wood Rill. A full canopy of the woods is required for the wildlife to remain. He noted that the proposed changes will result in the loss of wildflowers as well. He suggested that the alternative for the property is neither a golf course or development suggesting a possible conservation effort as park land. He asked the Commission to fully consider other options or the opportunity to preserve the Big Woods may be lost. Schroeder asked Krueger if he was aware of any efforts by governmental agencies to protect the area. Krueger said he had contacted the DNR four years ago. The plant ecologist asked to be involved, but the owners did not foresee selling at that time. Krueger said funding would present a problem but felt it would be worth the effort. He asked that the process not be rushed in order to allow for public and private groups to get together for possible conservation of the area. Hunter acknowledged the environmental concerns while noting the 5.5 million dollar purchase price. Eleanor Winston, 765 Spring Hill Road, questioned the traffic and road improvements for Spring Hill Road. She asked if there would be trails along the roadway for horses and other uses. Winston said the horse trail along Tamarack Drive is very narrow. It is her desire that the plans include trails for exercising animals. She also concurred with the • concern over left turns at Hunter Drive and CoRd 6 noting near misses of accidents and people passing both on the left and right. She asked that traffic be directed to that location instead of from Long Lake and Hwy 12. Winston said the conveniently bumpy roadway maintains a slower speed at this point but any road improvement would increase the traffic and speed. • Bill Dunlap, 951 Spring Hill Road, said he considers himself an environmentalist but is in favor of the project. Dunlap feels the project is the best alternative that funding will allow. Tony Shull, 1125 Spring Hill Road, said he has resided in that area for 20 years and has watched the traffic increase on CoRd 6. He feels all alternatives for the property will result in increased traffic but embraces the project as the best option as it is the most environmentally sound alternative. Bruce Carlson, 591 North Spring Road, said he believes the project is wonderful and fully endorses it. He asked to include the neighborhood regarding input on traffic. 18