The Fire Lane Discussion Fizzles Out

Update:  As of March 31st, 2024, there has been no public discussion for implementing the commissions’ recommendations.

Shorewood’s fire lanes are public-owned property currently intended to provide an opportunity for residents to access Lake Minnetonka for passive use. Fire lanes are an amenity for residents who do not have the privilege of owning lakeshore property. In a city with extremely limited access to Lake Minnetonka this may be considered a matter of equity. Most residents are not aware of these rights for usage. Fire lanes are for public access.

On Sept. 1, 2022:

Also on Sept. 1, 2022, Planning Commissioner Nat Gorham commented:

Background:

In 2019, a resident challenged the illegal motorized use of Fire Lane #3 (intersection of Grant Lorenz and Birch Bluff). This lane is designated Class 1, which does not allow motorized vehicles. It was being used for snowmobiles and ATVs in violation of Section 1201.03 of the City code. Until this time, the City had chosen not to enforce the applicable ordinance.

The conflicting use and resident challenge inspired the Council to task the Park and Planning Commissions to review all ten City fire lanes, evaluate their physical status and designation, and make recommendations for change. The stated goal was to clear the ROW, identify the usage, and place appropriate signs.

During 2020-21, both Park and Planning Commissions conducted a grueling, line-by-line, six-month analysis of many historical documents relative to the City’s fire lanes. They considered changing classification, abandoning, improving or downgrading. Their work was thorough and impressive. At that time, Planning Director Marie Darling, said the findings would be compiled into a report to the City Council. See the recommendations summarized in the minutes from the Jan 12. 2021 joint meeting (start p. 2).

Three months later, an item accepting the Commissions’ recommendations, was on the Apr.12, 2021 published Council agenda, but was removed before the meeting (start at p.13). It appears the topic has not been back on an agenda since. The due diligence of two commissions has been shelved, without any public explanation.

Fire Lanes #3, #4, and #5 were affected by the recent Birch Bluff reconstruction. As part of the construction, listening sessions with residents were held. They  suggested placing informational signs on the lanes that delineated the boundaries and clarified the legal uses.  Signs have not been placed.

In addition, the 26’ wide Grant Lorenz fire lane (#3) is overgrown by privately planted shrubs. Approximately 17 feet of width is consumed by large burlap covered arborvitae. (see the maps in the Sept. 12 joint meeting packet).