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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 8 not occur for at least five years, and that he hopes this is a good solution and a good time to address this road. Ressler asked if there is any reason why he would not be agreeable to providing an easement as proposed versus the alternative. Bonnett stated they are agreeable to that but the property line might move. Barnhart stated Staff’s issue is not with where the easement is as long as access is protected, but the bigger issue is the creation of a cul-de-sac. The location of an easement for trails has some potential to not match, which is why Staff would like to see it on a plan so it is clearly defined. Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Stacy Quinn, 125 Smith Avenue, noted they did write a letter in opposition of this vacation. Quinn indicated she is a Libertarian and she believes in the four-way test. The four-way test is: Is it is the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, and will it be beneficial to all concerned. Being one of the first two homes on Smith Avenue, she has seen maybe two people who have been lost looking for 6 Smith. Quinn stated they purchased on Smith because they have access to the Luce Line off of Smith, which is a safe way to access the Luce Line. There is no formal plan in place, and she has not been approached by Mr. Bonnett until yesterday when she received an e-mail from him. Gettman asked whether a cul-de-sac would be an improvement in her mind. Quinn indicated she would like to see the plans and know what it looks like. Based on what is being said tonight, it is still up in the air as to what it is going to look like as well as the access to the Luce Line. Have heard of lot of maybe’s but nothing in concrete. Ressler asked if she is fundamentally okay with the cul-de-sac but opposed to relocation of the access point. Quinn indicated that is correct. Lisa Benson, 1220 Lyman, stated she and her husband agree this is a wonderful neighborhood and that they also have a concern about the safety of the Bonnett children, their own two children, and all of the children living in the neighborhood. Like the Bonnetts, they agree that public access to the Luce Line at the end of Smith Avenue should be preserved. While she can appreciate TJ’s comments, she does not see evidence that thought was given to other children in the neighborhood and that it is not clear to her how the plan improves the safety of other children. Benson stated she is not convinced that the idea of collective community safety has been considered here and that it can be hard to appreciate how safe our community is. The real fear is distrust and discord between neighbors. The reason there is distrust at the moment is because the residents heard about the proposed changes from a letter. Benson stated they have a strong desire to maintain relationships with our neighbors.