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Drilling Down on Municipal Water
On 11/25/2024 the Shorewood council hashed over the ongoing dilemma of the underwater municipal water fund.
It discussed incentives for residents, who have existing “stubs” to connect to the municipal water system. The council also laid out some ideas for a more “mandatory” approach.
Get up close and personal with Bald Eagles
Once a rare sighting in the area, bald eagles are now a daily occurrence seen soaring above the Lake Minnetonka area, including on the southwest end of the lake and on the eastern bays.
Outdoor Ice Rinks: Pros & Cons
Backyard ice rinks are enjoyed by many families, particularly in winter loving states like Minnesota.
Be aware that setting up a rink in your yard comes with responsibilities and considerations to ensure safe and respectful use and compliance with any city code.
Here’s a quick guide:
The Dirt on the Tonka Bay Dirt
The massive dirt piled in the Tonka Bay City Hall parking lot is not unnoticed.
In fact, it was a topic for the Sept 28 Tonka Bay Council Meeting where an impressive resident-council-consultant conversation addressed every question and concern in a full-blown “community conversation.”
Let’s Talk Trash
Shorewood leadership considered city organized trash collection in 2019. “Organized hauling” is when the city contracts with one hauler based on bids and the best service value.
Results from a resident survey in 2019 were all that was needed to shelve the discussion. A survey is a piece of a much larger pie. Other relevant data is available that should be factored into a sound decision by the council.
Crows: They know who you are!
The collective noun for a group of crows is a murder, also known as a horde, a mob or a parliament.
With that bit of trivia, if you have noticed a “murder” of crows that seem to be stalking you, perhaps after chasing one away from the bird feeder, you may be right!
Forgotten Trail on Vine Hill Road
Residents have been trying to get the city’s attention on a substandard “trail” in southeast Shorewood for over two years. The asphalt trail was built along Vine Hill Road in the early 2000s. The trail was not built to any particular standard and is degrading.
Residents have reported that it is so broken up, uneven and narrow that it excludes many users.
Land Use Variance 1.0
Few people have reason to know about variances if they have not needed one.
The Shorewood City Council may want to allocate time to discuss an overall policy focusing on variances.
Higher Density: How it Applies to Shorewood
On October 1 the Planning Commission held a public hearing to amend the R-3 Zoning District to higher density development, consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, as submitted to the Metropolitan Council.
Specifically, the zoning change applies to three parcels on Smithtown Road, west of the American Legion. One of these parcels is currently being considered for a townhome development.
