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Residents of the College Gardens and Plymouth Woods neighborhoods in Rockville say they are eager to find a solution to an issue they say has created division and hostility among neighbors.

That issue is Montgomery College's decision to build a fence blocking access to Princeton Place, a popular congregating spot for smokers and students.

Residents living on Princeton Place are relieved to have the fence in place, which keeps loiterers off their front yards, they say. Many other residents of the surrounding neighborhood are fuming at the loss of a long-standing access point to the college.

"I'm sad about the split that's formed in our community," said Mike Phillips, president of the College Gardens Civic Association. "Our neighborhood has not had this kind of problem historically. That's been the hardest part."

Disagreements are centered on whether there should be 24-hour access to campus and if there should be permit parking on Princeton Place.

"This kind of process prolongs the community being torn apart," said Elyse Gussow, president of the Plymouth Woods Condominium Association. "I'm all for getting this thing behind us, and we are getting somewhat closer to a solution."

The fence was built in March following complaints by neighbors that smokers forced off campus by the college's tobacco-free policy were congregating on Princeton Place and creating a nuisance.

"Montgomery College and the City of Rockville are caught between neighbors with competing interests," said Dr. Judy E. Ackerman, vice president and provost of the Rockville campus. "After several meetings with all of the stakeholders I am optimistic that we are getting closer to a solution agreeable to most of the people involved."

At the end of March the city and college identified an area within the college's fence that is actually city property, and officials have proposed designating that a smoking area as an alternative to forcing smokers onto Rockville Pike or Mannakee Street.

A 200-yard sidewalk directing pedestrians away from Princeton Place and toward the proposed smoking area is also being suggested, although some residents are concerned about the college's plan to build a fence along both sides of the sidewalk.

Residents voiced their concerns and suggestions for the plan Monday at a meeting with college and city officials in Rockville.

Jenny Kimble, assistant city manager, said the meeting was the last public forum before city staff formulates a recommendation for the City Council and the college president.