Public Meeting to Discuss Connecting Lakewalk

Residents Ask Questions, Voice Concerns About Proposed Pedestrian-Only Trail

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Since 1995, the city of Duluth has been working to connect the missing link of the Lakewalk between 20th and 26th Avenues East.

However, in 2006 the Beacon Point developments popped up between that same area, and too close to the shoreline, making the missing link impossible to construct.

Wednesday night, new and passionate discussions unfolded about a plan to make the Lakewalk truly one link.

The driving principle behind this plan is connectivity and continuity of the Lakewalk, however residents who live in those condos have concerns about the proposed plan.

Probably the biggest concern is privacy, as this path would go right through their backyards.

Another was the hours the path would be open to the public.

Right now, sunrise to sunset is the idea on the table.

Plus, residents are worried about losing what they say is one of the biggest assets of their homes right now.

“My primary concern is that it’s not destroy the natural beauty of the lake front in that area, there’s beautiful rock ledges, yes I know there’s rebar and concrete and ugly stuff, but there’s also those beautiful rocks,” said Point Condo Resident Carol Burns.

Back in February, the Duluth city council approved a recommendation that a pedestrian–only trail be constructed “if proven to be technically and financially feasible.”

In May, an outside firm began conducting a feasibility study to determine whether that proposal can, in fact, be implemented.

“To do the study – look at the engineering, look at the environmental issues, look at the costs – and let the city know and provide the city with the information it needs to determine whether we can go forward with it or not,” explained Duluth City Councilor Joel Sipress.

Wednesday’s meeting was primarily informational and for the public to voice concerns and ask questions.

Another public meeting will be held in about a month, when the firm will present more in–depth design plans for the trail.

Once the final feasibility report is delivered, the city council will decide whether to move forward with the project or not.