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:0—loll <br />May 27, 1986 <br />Dear Neighbor and Orono Resident <br />The Orono City Council will be considering adoption of an ordinance to permit the operation of <br />bed and breakfast (B & B) establishments in areas zoned R- 1 , at its June 9th meeting we <br />vehemently oppose this ordinance and hope you will loin us in defeating it The enclosed card is <br />provided for your convenience <br />Buyers of the property at 1900 Shoreline Drive are hoping to convert the house to a B & B <br />They have gone to the Planning Commission which has recommended adoption of an ordinance <br />which would permit the operation of such establishments They plan to convert 6 of the <br />bedrooms to B & B guest rooms to accomodate 12 people and will have to provide a parking lot to <br />accommodate the traffic <br />We oppose the adoption of such an ordinance because it has the effect of allowing for the <br />operation of commercial establishments in areas zoned for single family residential use. Those <br />of us who have bought property in Orono because of its rural character do not wish to see that <br />character destroyed in our neighborhood, nor in any others in the City. The establishment of a <br />commercial enterprise right in the middle of our neighborhood violates the very principle of <br />rural preservation. Undoubtedly, it will also reduce the value of neighboring properties. <br />We feel that it is important that the ordinance be defeated If it passes, then anyone who wants to <br />operate a B & B will merely have to request a conditional use permit from the Planning <br />Commission. In the case of the property at 1900 Shoreline Drive, the Commission is already on <br />record as favoring its conversion to a B & B If we are successful in defeating the ordinance, it <br />will be that much more difficult for anyone to attempt a similar change in other Orono <br />neighborhoods. <br />To date, the matter of converting residential property to commercial use has not been widely <br />discussed in our community. Those who are opposed to a change in zoning practices which would <br />allow conversion to high traffic commercial establishments in residential neighborhoods either <br />don't know the issue has been raised, or have not had adequate opportunity to voice their <br />opposition. Here is your chance to be heard <br />Won't you )oin us in petitioning the City Council to defeat the ordinance Because of lack of time <br />and the difficulties of going door-to-door, we have provided a postage paid card which you can <br />use to express your opposition. <br />Please sign the enclosed card and mail it at your earliest convenience. It <br />must be received by June 7 to be counted. <br />Feel free to call Tom or Pauline Bouchard if you have any questions regardir: s City action, <br />or if you wish to discuss the matter further We will present the card:: h a list of all <br />signers' names to the Council at the June 9th meeting It would be most h,,lpful if you could <br />attend the meeting and address the Council in person We would hate to see this ordinance <br />passed because of citizen disi.,tsi -st <br />Sincerely yours, <br />-T,. 4 l' <br />Thomas and Pauline Bouchard <br />1860 Shoreline Drive <br />475-3342 <br />Oreg and Cathy Coward <br />1950 Heritage Urine <br />owners <br />