Ordinance 617 Changes the Game for Property Subdivision
If you were planning on subdividing your Shorewood property, the rules have changed. The Council passed Ordinance 617 (PDF) amending Shorewood City Code 900 and Subdivision Regulations on July 14. This ordinance makes any parcel of property in Shorewood “premature” for subdivision (meaning you can’t do it) if municipal water is not available to the lot.
Two options for owners are: (1) Work with your neighbors and convince 66% of them to petition the city to install a water main (you will all be charged an assessment and access fee or (2) pay to bring the water to the property proposed to develop.
For example: On Shorewood Lane the estimated cost to run a six inch main to from the existing fire hydrant to a lot was from $55,000 to $100,000 and did not include related expenses such as park dedication fees, traffic control, permit fees, removal and replacement of curb, pavement, and trees, erosion control, seeding, or excess fill removal. [The owner’s rep] stated that he would expect these expenses to add up to roughly half the value of the lot. Source: Planning Commission Minutes, April 1, 2025, p.12, lines 37-41.
Read more:
Unintended Consequences: Subdividing Property & Municipal Water
Just Follow the Law
Step 1 Creating a Vision for City Water Funding & Expansion
No More Excelsior Chamber-Sponsored Fire Works
Excelsior will not be sponsoring the July 4th fireworks display over Lake Minnetonka starting in 2026. The Excelsior‑Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, which had been organizing and funding the event, is no longer legally or financially equipped to do so.
- The Chamber is structured as a 501(c)(6) organization (a business league), which restricts its ability to fundraise for a large public fireworks show.
- A partner with 501(c)(3) status—a charitable nonprofit with broad fundraising flexibility—is needed to assume responsibility for the funding and production of the event. (~$100,000+ including fireworks, insurance, security, logistics) Source: fox9.com
The Chamber says that without a sponsor, Excelsior’s official fireworks show will not resume as before.
A Drone’s-Eye View
Carver County Public Works reports on construction projects in progress. Here are two that may interest readers:
Drone imagery of Highway 11 near Lake Auburn Church. Source: Carver County Public Works
- Highway 11 (Victoria Drive) Hwy 11 remains fully closed between just south of the Carver Park entrances and Wisteria Street near Lake Auburn Church. Carver Park is open and is accessible from Hwy 7. Watch drone footage of Highway 11 from June 20. – Source: Carver County Public Works.
- Full closure for 82nd Street and Bavaria Road mid-July through late September (south of Arboretum). The intersection will fully close for roundabout construction and more utility work starting mid-July. 82nd Street remains open to residential traffic only between Bavaria Road and Highway 41 through late fall. Source: Carver County Public Works.
See the complete map for summer 2025 projects in Carver County.
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A Drone’s-Eye View
Carver County Public Works reports on construction projects in progress. Here are two that may interest readers:
Drone imagery of Highway 11 near Lake Auburn Church. Source: Carver County Public Works
- Highway 11 (Victoria Drive) Hwy 11 remains fully closed between just south of the Carver Park entrances and Wisteria Street near Lake Auburn Church. Carver Park is open and is accessible from Hwy 7. Watch drone footage of Highway 11 from June 20. – Source: Carver County Public Works.
- Full closure for 82nd Street and Bavaria Road mid-July through late September (south of Arboretum). The intersection will fully close for roundabout construction and more utility work starting mid-July. 82nd Street remains open to residential traffic only between Bavaria Road and Highway 41 through late fall. Source: Carver County Public Works.
See the complete map for summer 2025 projects in Carver County.
Sign up for regular updates.
Swim Safe: Hennepin County’s Beach Water Quality Watch
Hennepin County Public Health regularly coordinates testing the water at public swimming beaches within the county to assure safe swimming.
This monitored beach map is primarily managed by the county, Three Rivers Park District and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board
If the water tests unsafe, the county has the authority to close any contaminated beaches. Check here for regular updates. If a beach is listed as closed, contact the listed city for more information.
