Shorewood Citizen Advocates

Building positive change through communication, education and advocacy

All Articles

infected ash tree

The Regional Trail: Ash Borer Brings Drastic Change

The Hennepin County Rail Authority is currently removing diseased and dead ash trees along the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail corridor in Shorewood.
 
Work began the week of December 6, 2021, and aims to address the threat posed by the invasive emerald ash borer.

Read More »
water meter

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.

Read More »
family ice rink

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:

Read More »
shorewood organized trash collection

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.

Read More »
Crows know who you are

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!

Read More »
caution unsafe trail

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.

Read More »
zoning map

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.

Read More »
Shorewood high density

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.

Read More »
  •  

  •  

  •  

  • Most Read in the Last 30 Days
  •  

  • Featured Articles
  • Enter your information to receive new SCA content in your email inbox

    You will receive a confirmation email after submission