On Monday, the Duluth City Council might finally take action on exactly where to put an integral section of the Lakewalk between 20th and 25th avenues east. It also would be the first official step toward its construction.
If all goes well, City Planning Director Bob Bruce said he thinks half of the estimated $400,000 project could be completed before the end of 2007.
"I just wanted to get moving," Bruce said Thursday. "Let's build it."
A resolution scheduled for a vote on Monday says that there is broad public support -- as well as the endorsement of Mayor Herb Bergson's administration -- for what's become known as Alternative No. 4. This is what the option created by Bruce says:
r The Lakewalk currently ends at 20th Avenue East before it picks up again six blocks later and will eventually run to Brighton Beach at 60th Avenue East.
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r From 20th to 23rd avenues east, there will be a simple footpath next to the Lake Superior shoreline, specifically in front of the Beacon Point condominiums and rentals. Bruce likened it to the Lake Superior Hiking Trail.
r Along a parallel stretch of Water Street, the sidewalk will be widened to 10 feet and covered with blacktop for wheeled traffic, such as bikes, strollers and in-line skates.
r Both paths would connect at 23rd Avenue East in front of what's now called the Ledges townhomes. There, a traditional Lakewalk will be built near the shore.
r There remains a
140-foot stretch of lakefront property that the city does not own or have an easement for.
r A second resolution will be introduced to hire engineers to design the project for $9,600.
Bruce and the City Council have been under pressure by Lakewalk supporters disappointed with the height of Beacon Point and its placement so close to the water. The outcry grew loader this winter, when it became widely known that because of the legal pacts that the city made with developers, the public does not have access to the lakeshore until the Lakewalk is actually built, among other restrictions.
In April, city-hired engineers from SEH of Duluth said a concrete Lakewalk could be built in front of the condos for several million dollars, but they couldn't guarantee that it would survive a big storm. That's when Bruce introduced his alternative and began to accept public input and have discussions.
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The comment period on the plans ended June 15. Bruce said that 95 percent of respondents chose Alternative No. 4.
At Large Councilor Jim Stauber sponsored the resolution, along with councilors Greg Gilbert and Laurie Johnson, who have been strong proponents for the Lakewalk activists. Bruce said he also plans to ask the area's regulators, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and state Department of Natural Resources to become partners in formulating plan specifics.
CHRIS HAMILTON covers the Duluth community and city government. He can be reached weekdays at (218) 279-5502 or by e-mail at chamilton@duluthnews.com .
