City Staff Omissions: Mistakes or Intentional?

On June 22, 2026, resident Tom Murtha spoke to the Shorewood City Council about serious problems with the City’s actions in the appeal of the Council’s decision to require an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Watten Ponds project. He submitted his statement to SCA for publication.

Mass Adoption of AI is Happening Is Shorewood Ready?

Mass adoption of AI is happening. Generative AI will reach its peak in the US by 2028. Cities like Chanhassen, Plymouth, Brooklyn Park are already embracing AI and the League of MN Cities has published its 2nd set of AI guidelines as of April 26th, 2026.

Apr. 27, 2026 Shorewood Council Meeting 3 Minute Recap

Some items from the Shorewood council meeting: - 4th of July fireworks - Annual deer harvest discussion - Comprehensive Plan survey

Watten Ponds 2nd Addition: Round 2

On February 23rd the Shorewood City Council voted 4-1 in favor of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed Watten Ponds 2nd Addition. Four days after the vote, Gravity’s attorney notified the city that a lawsuit was imminent if the council did not rescind its resolution.

Watten Ponds 2 Development: Delayed

An organized group of residents has succeeded in delaying the Watten Ponds 2 proposed development by petitioning for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). Once completed, the document will guide future decisions on the project. For now, the petition puts the project on hold.

Residents Raise Concerns About Pending Development

The Eureka Neighborhood Association has asked SCA to publish this article. It explains their concerns for a new development known as Watten Ponds 2, and their frustrations with the city’s process used to gather public feedback.

Shorewood’s “Planning Dept.” Aberration!

Why is Shorewood’s Planning Department similar in size to Victoria’s? Victoria does approximately 15x the volume of zoning permits and 10x the volume of new build applications as Shorewood. Surprisingly, Victoria’s budget is even less than Shorewood’s!

Unintended Consequences: Subdividing Property & Municipal Water

7/13/2025 update: This proposed amendment to the Subdividion Ordinance is once again on the agenda for approval at the July 14th Shorewood City Council meeting. During the April 28th Shorewood meeting, the council discussed a proposed amendment to the subdivision ordinance, for 2.5 hours, before tabling it for future consideration.

Shorewood Parks Master Plan Update 2025: Building on the Vision

Shorewood completed a Parks Master Plan in 2002 with an update in 2009. In 2024 the Park Commission agreed to extend the Master Plan to include concepts for South Shore Park with further planning, development, and enhancement of parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational facilities.

Shorewood’s Tight Deadline: Mill Street Water Main Decision

Hennepin County has scheduled a trail project from Chanhassen to Excelsior along Mill Street in 2026. Shorewood city council needs to determine whether to include a water main in its portion of the project, how to charge property owners and to create a city-wide municipal water policy.

Shorewood Citizen Advocates

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