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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Wednesday,July 17,2002 <br /> 5:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#2)#02-2789 DAHLSTROM DEVELOPMENT LLC, Continued <br /> Gappa stated that code requires 28'; however,the Commission would be trading valuable <br /> greenspace for wider roads. He agreed that 28' widths were not necessary on the internal spaces, <br /> and could find 22-24' acceptable, with the exception for the 28' parking bump outs. <br /> Krall repeated that studies had shown narrow streets tend to slow traffic down. <br /> Smith felt that 22' to 24' would be acceptable. <br /> Johnston pointed out that there are many rural roads, like Crystal Bay Road, within Orono who <br /> carry very high volumes currently and are merely 24' wide. He asked the Commissioners to take <br /> into consideration the amount of traffic these rural streets are able to handle versus the level of <br /> traffic that would take place in the cul-de-sacs. <br /> Mabusth asked if school buses or emergency vehicles would need to travel through the <br /> development, would there be room. <br /> Gappa stated that school buses would likely pick up at the entry to the development, much like <br /> other developments in Orono. He stated that fire code is 20' and all that is required for access by <br /> emergency vehicles. For comparison purposes, Gappa pointed out that County Road 6 is 24' <br /> wide and is a high-speed road. He believed 20-22' would be adequate. <br /> Rahn agreed the wide roads would be promoting speed. <br /> Smith asked where the issue of sidewalks fit into the discussion. <br /> Krall stated that if the roads could be kept more narrow, sidewalks could be considered. <br /> Mabusth indicated that she would support sidewalks in order to keep people off the roads and <br /> encourage a truly walkable community. <br /> Johnston stated that the traffic study of Willow View, where he resides, estimated 260 trips per <br /> day and no thought was put into sidewalks there. There are two cul-de-sacs without sidewalks <br /> and a wide road. He questioned the need for sidewalks when the trips per day would be even less <br /> than Willow View. He did not want to pave more than needed at a loss of greenspace. <br /> Case stated that there are hundreds of miles around Orono where there aren't sidewalks. He <br /> believed it to be a convenience issue, that sidewalks encourage social organizing, and suggested <br /> that a single sidewalk would not be a bad idea for a way to lead guests to their cars in the winter. <br /> Mabusth agreed, suggesting a sidewalk be run on one side of the street. <br /> PAGE 15 OF 22 <br />