03-13-2006 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 17,2005 To: City of Orono Attn: City Council c/o lvlike Gaf&on From: Alisa C.Butler, President&Owner The Sign Age,Inc. Subject: The Narrows Saloon Dear City of Orono Council Members, Due to out of town business travels I am unable to attend this Monday's City Council meeting. However,I feei strongly that it is important to show my support and approval for the proposed expansion and addition of an outdoor patio at The Narrows Saloon. As a business owner in the community(for the last 11 years), a resident in the area(Sunset Drive...just down the road from Lord Fletcher's)an occupant of the adjoining property(2385 Shadywood Road),as well as a frequent patron of The Narrows Saloon I want to see this request approved. I am aware that"certain people"(I don't need to name names or point fingers) in the area are not supporters of The Narrows Saloon. Why is this? What is their point? What is their purpose? Don't they want to see local businesses succeed? And don't they want to see improvements made in our community? They complain about noise;well,they can't use that excuse. It is simply not true. I work late at night to meet design deadlines,often well after "last call"at The Narrows. I even keep my window in my office open so I can enjoy a little fresh air. I have never been distracted by excessive noise from motorcycles, loud music or people because of The Narrows Saloon and its customers. As I stated during one of the first planning commission meetings;the noise is by far louder during n�sh hour traffic in the moming and evening with all the cars exiting and entering our community. It is actually so loud I have to shuc my window to take calls. Not to mention the general hum of traffic from boats,cars,motorcycles,etc.that you hear at 2:00 in the afternoon on any given Saturday or Sunday in our"little"lake community that draws people&om everywhere. Which leads me to my next point. Why complain about noise when you elect to live near a busy intersection? Did these people honestly think that the area would never grow? Give me a break. If you live near an airport you're going to hear the airplanes. If you live near the intersection of two busy county roads(the only two leading directly to our lake community)which is also a business district with retailers, you're going to hear cars and motorcycles,even people talking on sidewalks. What are they going to do when the condo projects down the road are completed and there is even more traffic? Jim and Cindy have been wonderful supporters of our community. The efforts they made when I was a co- chair for Navarre Dog days were beyond what most people would even consider. Why didn't any of these people that are complaining and now showing such a huge interest in our community volunteer to help us out or be on a committee? It sure is easy to step-up to the plate when something is�t't the way you want it, but God forbid any of them would be a voice of support while good things are happening. Have they donated thousands of dollars to the park system? Did they raise$4,000 and donate it to Navarre Dog Days so we can use it to beautify our community? No! But Jim and Cindy did and now they would like to ask to be allowed to make a few improvements to their business. Who are tl�ese people hyuig to stop them?