05-26-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 26, 1998 ( #21) Woodhill Golf Course Alternate Access - continued Charles Maille, 1260 Woodhill Avenue, stated he was a concerned parent with their only access onto Woodhill Avenue. He felt there was no debate that traffic would increase on Woodhill Avenue if the access were opened, threatening the safety of his children. He feels it is the duty of the Council to protect the children of Orono. He referred to a letter from the Woodhill Country Club in the packet indicating the Country Club wants to be a good neighbor, but good neighbors don't take actions that endanger children or reduce property values. He opposes even a temporary access. He has met with Chief Cheswick on the site. He requested that further study be done if there is any thought to opening the access. If the access is opened even temporarily, the Country Club should be forced to complete the normal planning process to ensure safety. 0 Jerry Storch, 1245 Woodhill Avenue, stated that he moved to the neighborhood about 5 years ago from Boston and has three young children. He did not find it acceptable to solve one problem and create another. He presented a diagram suggesting an alternate exit from the Country Club by making right hand turns. He also expressed concern with alcohol being served at the Club, and then drivers using the road in a neighborhood with children. He felt the issue involved the rights of individuals vs. a large institution, individual homes vs. convenience for members, and property values vs. recreation. He also felt opening the access would fundamentally change the character of the neighborhood. He requested that Council look at limiting the hours the access • would be open, if they decide to allow the Club to use the access. Shelly Storch, 1245 Woodhill Avenue, presented photos of the area. She noted a puddle that creates a drainage problem. She felt that traffic sight lines were significantly worse at Orono Orchard Road and County Road 15 than on County Road 15 and Woodhill Road. She expressed concern with the traffic numbers and felt they were significantly less than would be expected today. She commented on a 2% increase in traffic at Orono Orchard Road and County Road 15 that was mentioned in the staff report. There was no mention of a complementary reduction in traffic at the Country Club's entrance. She felt this may be just trading the traffic from one intersection to another. She was concerned about the safety of children and vandalism. She thought there may be more vandalism today than in 1978 because there may be more kids with cars that are out late at night. The City has indicated their concern to address an emergency. She stated that construction has been going on for more than a year with no emergency. Solutions she suggested include changing the barriers on County Road 15 to something permeable, using flag men, or telling members to only make right turns. A response that she received from the Country Club was that this is a convenience issue and that members didn't like waiting in traffic. She requested that the City table the issue so that further study can be done. 20