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6-7-06 City of Orono Mike Gaffron Variance Request The continual increase of traffic volume on Ferndale and the recent development of property across from my property have combined to create a situation that is hazardous and significantly impacts privacy issues. My driveway has become a primary u-turn location for trucks and cars of all sizes and shapes which, because of the narrow road and minimal shoulder areas normal to a quiet residential area, is yielding many instances of blocked traffic. This blockage will eventually cause an accident due to the volume of cars and the usual disregard for speed limits. The turn around activity has required replacing my mailbox annually. The recent new home construction directly across the street has greatly increased local traffic because of entertainment/parties and political affiliations. The section of Ferndale in front of my house had `no parking' signs for many years, these signs disappeared a few year's ago and I would like to have them replaced. The requested driveway modification is to prevent it from being used as a turn around area and to restrict the openness currently existing. The reduction of street frontage and ' the narrowing of the front portion of the drive should effectively resolve both issues. This is a change from original thought when the ability to use the large expanse as an arriving and departing convenience was viewed as the primary issue. The reality of traffic and area development changes requires a different perspective and has led to the realization that both issues could be resolved by the changes proposed. The proper redesigning of the driveway does allow for sufficient space to back out of the garage area and turn a vehicle around before approaching the street and the remaining surface area still provides ample off street parking. The ability to plant trees, grass and bushes on area that is now concrete will provide a measure of improved privacy while decreasing hardcover by approximately 425-500 sq ft. The addition of a gated access 10 ft from the existing roadway will also aid resolution of both issues. The location of the gate deserves consideration for a variance not only for the foregoing concerns but also because this condition already exists in several Ferndale driveways and looks better than placing 4-5 ft diameter rocks on the edge of the roadway; another common Ferndale feature. Mike, you remember several years ago when I installed the Arborvitae hedge along Ferndale and the concerns that were discussed at that time; well, time has proven that the decision to allow that request was mutually advantageous. The existence of those trees apparently saved the lives of several teenagers when the trees prevented their seriously out of control vehicle from reaching concrete and brick structures. They did wipe out 16 large trees but they were able to walk away unharmed. From an aesthetic perspective it is