06-08-2004 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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As you know, by taking this action we do not , in any way. want to limit our right to use the back entrance, should future circumstances warrant a change in this decision, (emphasi. added) In 1987. the Orono City Administrator wrote to the Orono City Council staling: It is our present understanding that Woodhill could begin utilization of this access at any time they choose . Pedestrian and bicycle use has increased in the past years with the increased popularity of both bicycling and exercising. Since 1980. the driveway has been used only for the vehicles of the maintenance staff and certain maintenance equipment, when it is brought to Long Lake for repair. On at least two occasions since 1980, the Woodhill Avenue access was used as the general entrance to Woodhill because train derailment and track construction temporarily blocked any access to County Road 15. CURRENT AND FUTURE TRAFFIC AND SAFETY CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE FULL RESTORATION OF DUAL ACCESS TO WOODHILL COUNTRY CLUB Woodhill Country Club has had a dual access to its property since 1917. Woodhill Avenue has always been the secondary access, except on those occasions when County Road 15 access has been temporarily blocked. Since 1980, the traffic and safety concerns surrounding Woodhill Country Club has changed dramatically. Traffic on County Road 15 has increased greatly in both volume and speed. Daily traffic counts increased from approximately 5,000 cars per day to over 20,000 currently. The construction on Highway 15 last summer (1998) and this summer (1999) have raised special problems for use of Woodhill Road. Sight lines have been blocked and access has been very difficult. After construction is done, the improvements to County Road 15 will only foster increased traffic and increased speeds on the highway. The raised elevation of the highway has made the approach from Woodhill Road steeper and more difficult to traverse In winter conditions. Woodhill members who live to the west and north of the Club (e g. Lyman Avenue. Long Lake. Medina) currently drive down Orono Orchard Road, take a left on Highway 15 going east, and then another left, across oncoming cross-traffic to enter on Woodhill Road. These turns can be dangerous at any time of the day. They are particularly dangerous and difficult during heavy traffic periods. The turns pose dangers to children being transported to the club aii(t teenage and elderly member drivers. The turns are completely unnecessary if those members were able to utilize the Woodhill Avenue access to the country club. Any reduction of cross-traffic turns on Highway 15 will improve safety, not only for Woodhill families but also for all Orono citizens and for the general public traveling on Highway 15. IVv* 111 MOM