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 If the access must be opened, she requested that it be done safely, use a gate that forces members to stop - possibly guarded 24 hours a day and limiting the hours of use. It would be her wish to see the access permanently closed and reforested rather than just using a chain. John Welsh, 1250 Woodhill Avenue, reiterated the concerns of his neighbors. He was impressed with Council and their desire to protect the City. He stated he bought his property for privacy and the wooded area and would like it to stay that way. He added that more traffic would harm his economic value, and he is concerned with child safety. Mike Wood, 1230 Woodhill Avenue, stated he and his wife Judy were sympathetic to the safety issue. They felt Woodhill's intentions were well meant but they believe they were precipitous and further investigation should be done. They feel accessing County Road 15 from Orono Orchard Road is actually more hazardous. The major concern for Woodhill is the left turn out of Woodhill during rush hour. This limits the main problem to 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Alternatives such as better signage and flagmen are good ideas. Unlike Spring Hill Golf Course, Woodhill is a social club as well, so the traffic will be higher on Woodhill Avenue than the • suggested 20 cars per day. He counted 120 families who live north and west of the Country Club who could use the Woodhill Avenue access. Citing the golf use of the Club is not accurate as there are many social events as well. He felt the way the access was opened was outrageous with no notice to the Planning Commission, Council, Woodhill Board or to the-members. This was contradictory to the spirit of being a good neighbor. Steven Webster, 500 Orono Orchard Road, stated that speed has been an issue on Orono Orchard Road and more traffic will create a greater impact. He would also feel extremely bad if someone were killed on County Road 15 as a result of this situation. He suggested a stipulation that the road be vacated after the construction on County Road 15 is completed and returned to a natural environment. He does not want to see any increase in traffic, and the road needs more policing. He added that intoxication is an issue and thought a guard at the exit might provide some additional policing. Jabbour noted that the road was the property of the Country Club and asked if Webster was suggesting it be given to the City. Webster responded that it should be divided among the properties that border the road. Ackman stated that the Country Club respects the concerns of the opposers, but there is a tendency to exaggerate. He thought legal principles should be discussed in another place. He pointed out that part of the road accesses Woodhill Ridge. The owners of those properties knew of the access when they purchased their homes. There are actually only three houses on Woodhill Avenue, the other houses are up the hill even though they bear a Woodhill Avenue address. Ackman reiterated that the access is proposed as a temporary opening. 21