08-14-1995 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JULY 13. 1995 Q^ ^ ^y (#4 - Consideration of Land or Money for Park Dedication Fund - Continued) Wilson said she is in favor of quantities of smaR narrow roads like Fox Street. She feels this type of atmosphere is what draws people to Orono and did not w ant the City to lose this. Wilson is in favor of separated trail segments along major artenes Flint agreed that there was no need to build a trail along Fox Street at this time. He also favored keeping Fox Street the narrow, winding road it is at this dme. But. he said, we also need to consider what mav happen in the future. The Citv' has a 66' easement on Fox Street; and instead of the 40* width now, the City could, at some future time, build a wider road with a separated bike trail and Iiavc no need to obtain any furtlier easements. If the City acquired trail easements at the present time, at some future time, it would have the option to build a narrow, off-road walking or walkmg/biking trail otit of the main right of way. McMillan did not think this was fair to homeowners, requiring them to have a trail in front of their homes, preferring winding, thru-the-woods type trails. Flint said this would allow the area to have a place to run or jog if the road were to change. Wilson emphasized the need to make any choices carefully. White said there are trails for transit and trails to meander thruout your neighborhood. White said he was in favor of drawing a community together Wilson commented that people come to Orono for privacy and would have chosen other areas if they wanted a community feel. Leaf Street was cited as a good example of a meandering road where a 2' walking path is sufficient. There is light traffic, and there would be no need for easements or for widening the road Wilson said she was concerned with private property rights and whether this would lower property values McMillan agreed with Wilson, adding that there is an east/west trail and a possible future trail on the Dakota rail. McMillan further noted that Mr. Smith was not ir. favor of a trail on Fox Street and reemphasized, with Willow’ Drive and Luce Trail, a Fox Street trail would be redundant. Flint said the discussion enabled the Commission to gain each others’ \iewpoint for a decision at the August meeting. He urged each Commissioner to view the property and think about tonight's discussion, so we could vote at the next meeting without rehashing the same discussion.