02-07-1994 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994 Barb Peterson, 1261 Arbor Street, inquired if traffic counts had been done on the streets in the area to determine the traffic volumes on them, because that might be a significant factor in determining which streets they might want to close. Discussion ensued regarding the problems involved with removing the lead paint and maintenance of the existing building. It was felt that the roads should be closed for safety reasons because it was not reasonable to have streets running through a park. Concern was expressed regarding the traffic flow in the area if the roads are dead-ended. Greg Peterson noted that Briar Avenue is a heavily traveled road and traffic will be increased if the roadways are closed. He felt that it would be a hazard to the children who live in the area if the traffic levels are increased. Dan Crear, 1980 Spates Avenue, stated he felt perhaps a professional firm should be consulted to determine if this was a good location for a park. He suggested that perhaps this was not the best location, and possibly the land could be sold and some land behind Old Hill School could be purchased and turned into a park instead. He was not sure this was the best location for a park because of the high traffic levels in the area. Chair Flint inquired if the residents present wanted to have a neighborhood park in this vicinity and the consensus was that they did. Diane Jentilucci, 1295 Briar Street stated she was opposed to anything which would bring increased traffic, noise or people from outside the neighborhood into the area. She felt that the money spent to remove the buildings should somehow be recouped. She did not feel there was any reason to keep the old City Council building, but if they decided to do that, perhaps it could be moved onto Parcel A next to the Post Office to consolidate the buildings together. She stated she felt safe living on Briar Street, but was opposed to anything that would draw people in from outside the area. Discussion ensued regarding the land adjacent to the Art Center and the possibility of locating a neighborhood park on another site within the area bounded by South Brown Road, Highway 51, French Creek and Willow. Sixteen residents were in favor of considering this option and one resident was opposed. Curt Quady stated he felt that since the City already owned the land being discussed it did not make sense for them to spend more money purchasing additional land for park purposes. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of purchasing additional land utilizing funds from the sale of Parcels A, B and C. Letters from Judith A. Hutchins, Postmaster, Crystal Bay Post Office, and Terry D. Morse, a resident at 2080 Spates Avenue were entered into the record. Lili McMillan noted that Maybell Kohls, 1224 Briar Street, had called her expressing concerns about overdeveloping the park space at Crystal Bay. Mrs. Kohls did not support spending excessive amounts of taxpayers money on the construction of 3