11-04-1996 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 4, 1996 (#10 - Review of O'Sullivan Application - Continued) Gaffron reported that O'Sullivan is propasing a bike trail along Olive Avenue abutting the neighboring properties and thence southwesterly along the north property line. Gaffron questions whether the more appropriate trail location would be through Navarre Lane. In looking at the diagram of the neighborhaad, Gaf�'ron noted that the neighbors along Olive Avenue would make use of the trail along the northern portion of the property but to gain access to the convenience store, a more natural trail would be along Navarre Lane. He also questioned whether there were park or trail ptans in the area. Flint reported that he walked the area and observed how close together the residential and commercial properties were located. Neve�heless, he saw that to access the area on foot currently would be difficult. Gaffron asked if there was any sense of whether Navarre Lane was used as a corridor now. O'Sullivan responded to the question. He said he sees only a couple people walking on a nice day. Since construction has be�un, no one has been walking Navarre Lane. He also has not received any complaints during the construction. He does view people walking along Olive Avenue by the wetlands. McDermott asked about the construction of a trail along Olive Avenue. O'Sullivan said he never has shown a trail behind the property except along the existing Olive roadway. He said he would provide a corridor up to Olive similar to an alleyway. O'Sulliva�i asked the Commission to consider the possibility of the 10-12' vertical drop fram where his dumpster is located on his property to Navarre Lane. O'Sullivan said the slope would have to begin back by Olive Avenue in order to get to grade. Gaffron suggested a ramp as a solution. O'Sullivan suggested a pathway between Olive and the water retention pond. He added that if the trail is on the property, it could possibly be contoured along the way in order to cut down on the slope. He also noted that he never agreed to pay for a trail as we11 as expressed cancern over the liability issue. Flint said he was struck by the fact that the development is geared like a strip commercial center towards people driving rather than for pedestrians from the abutting neighborhood. He saw a trail as a way ta facilitate walking in the area and as a way to access the restaurant. Ilse asked those present to consider the possibility af a raised trail between the parking areas. She said she was concerned with the cramped spacing of Olive Avenue with cars parking along it as well as with CoRd 19. She noted CoRd I S was also a bad area for walking. Ilse saw a safe means of getting to the corner of CoRds 15 and 19 without crossing the street as a real asset. She thought those people whose homes back up to Lafayette would use it. Ilse said she would support providing a trail to gain a straight path to the corner. 9