Xcel Energy Leaves Shorewood with Redevelopment Options
Xcel Energy has closed its 5-acre service center at 5505 Manitou Road (at the intersection of Hwy 19 and the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail) in Shorewood as part of a broader effort to consolidate west-metro operations into a new, centralized facility in Chanhassen.
With its sizable footprint and desirable location near Lake Minnetonka, the Shorewood property is now being marketed as a prime redevelopment opportunity. Potential future uses include commercial, mixed-use, or even residential projects.
Currently zoned C-1 Commercial, the site will likely draw significant public attention as redevelopment proposals emerge—especially if a project requires rezoning or substantial changes to land use.
Sources: BizJournals
E-bike shopping? Buyer Beware
If an e-bike is on your shopping list, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety urges buyers to brush up on state e-bike regulations and understand the difference between a legal electric bicycle and a more powerful, heavily restricted e-moto.
The department warns that some direct-to-consumer brands are marketing various motorized vehicles as “e-bikes,” even though they don’t meet Minnesota’s legal standards. These higher-powered machines—often called e-motos—can pose safety risks and are not permitted to be used as bicycles on Minnesota’s roads, trails, or shared-use paths.
To avoid buying the wrong type of vehicle, officials recommend the following:
- Ensure the motor’s power rating is 750 watts or less.
- Test ride the bike to confirm it can operate as a standard bicycle without motor assistance.
- Purchase from a local Minnesota bike shop that understands state law and can offer reliable service and advice.
Source: bikemn.org
Read more: E-bikes & E-motorcycles: A New Enforcement Challenge, SCA, Mar. 2025
Shoreline Fire District: Firestorm Resolved
The long-running fire service dispute between Orono and Long Lake is now resolved. Years of staffing shortages, rising training demands, and increasing equipment costs had strained their shared volunteer model and prompted calls for change.
Political tensions amplified the problem. Former Orono mayor Dennis Walsh often clashed with Long Lake over governance and funding, creating prolonged uncertainty and intensifying public pressure for a stable solution.
That shift came after the November 2024 election changed leadership. The cities moved quickly to consolidate their fire operations, unifying staff, equipment, and command under a single regional structure. Officials say the new 20-year agreement will improve reliability, reduce duplication, and provide a sustainable foundation for long-term fire protection. The Shoreline Fire District is now viewed as a forward-looking investment in public safety and intercity cooperation.
