10-21-2019 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2019 6:30 o'clock p.m. 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 TFs 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. Benson stated when they used to walk the trail, they were unaware that they were accessing it over private property. TJ Bonnett kindly told her family that they were welcome to use the trail and that she agreed he should not feel pressured to allow the public to use his private land to access the trail. In speaking with Rachel Henzen from the DNR, she indicated the DNR would be willing to enter into an agreement with the City to make an official connection from Smith to the Luce Line. Benson indicated she is in agreement with Staff's recommendation and that she does not support the proposed vacation because she does not see evidence that it will help ensure the safety of anyone. Like the Bonnetts, she supports the preservation of access from Smith, and she would encourage Staff to research the options and allow everyone in the neighborhood to continue to enjoy the shared public spaces. Howard McMillan, 1275 Lyman Avenue, stated in light of the incomplete plan, the Planning Commission should consider tabling a decision tonight until further plans can be developed and put before the public. Having been a resident on Lyman Avenue for a little over 30 years, access to the trail has never been truly well defined and it is a pathway that seems to follow the path of least resistance down to the Luce Line. McMillan stated at some point he has no doubt that he crossed TJ's property but that he has no idea where that would be. McMillan stated he does not believe there are five access points to the Luce Line and instead there are only two, and one is the horse trail. Three parcels are owned by the DNR. If they went straight off the pavement, it looks like you would run into DNR land that could be used as an access point. McMillan stated he would not want the liability of citizens falling or injuring themselves on his private property and that they may want to consider having the access off of DNR land. In addition, TFs two properties sit on either side of the flat spot of Smith Avenue. That large flat area is narrow and Smith and Lyman might be substandard roads. The flat area also allows fire trucks to use it as a staging area since the narrow street creates extra challenges for the fire department in addition to the lack of fire hydrants. The Smith Avenue access provides many benefits in that it is a quiet road with little to no traffic. Removing the public benefit would be detrimental to the property values and enjoyment of the area. Page 4 of 20