We offer the above drawing as one possible compromise plan.

By addressing the size of the clubhouse and parking lot, and relocating it to the site of the current greenhouse buildings it preserves both the Heymann Conservatory and the unspoilt nature of the Oak Grove.

We realise that by bringing the clubhouse forward, closer to Magazine Street, this proposal might be of concern to the immediate neighbors of the park who oppose any plan that would increase traffic and parking problems by creating a new attraction within the park. However, we believe that the issues of the size and functions of the clubhouse cannot be separated from the location on which it is built. Provided that the Audubon Institute relinquishes its intention to create a sizeable permanent-seating food service within the new clubhouse, and restricts the use of the clubhouse to simple golf course ameneties, we believe that the resultant smaller building can be placed as shown above (or in some other location) without serving as a major attraction that will draw yet more vehicles into the park.

The Audubon Institute's own traffic and golf course projections maintain that increased traffic in Magazine Street caused by the location of the clubhouse will be minimal. Therefore, provided that the nature of the clubhouse services are kept to a reasonable minimum, and its hours of operation are the same as those of the course itself, we argue that the new facility will not adversely impact the interests of the immediate neighbors of the park, while at the same time benefiting the wider public interest by saving the Oak Grove and the Heymann Conservatory from destruction.

We concur with the Neighborhood Groups in opposing any wider use for the new clubhouse, such as extended restaurant facilities, its use as a private banquet facility and other such things that would cause it to become a nuisance to the park's neighbors. We believe that the existing Audubon Tea Room, with its vast parking areas is an adequate facility for these purposes, and that buildings, parking and restaurant/bar facilities on the St Charles side of the park must be minimized.

A copy of the Audubon Institute clubhouse site plan, as presented at the October 15 meeting is available here.

As of October 22, the Audubon Institute is also considering a compromise plan of its own. The drawing of this plan is available here.

We note that while a slightly smaller clubhouse building has been relocated to the near side of the Oak Grove, paths are still indicated through the trees, and the Heymann Conservatory is still to be demolished for the clubhouse's parking lot. We feel that while this design is somewhat better than the previous one, there are many aspects that need further refinement. It would be inappropriate for the Commission to vote on either the original Institute design, or this one without further public comment.