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Residents, conservationists urge pause on Shute Park redevelopment over trees, permits and deed
Summary
Public commenters at the Racine Common Council meeting urged the council to pause a proposed dune-style redevelopment of Shute Park until state and federal permits are secured and deed restrictions are clarified; the council referred the mayor's communication on the plan to the executive committee and separately received a contract update.
Wendy Sorensen, a long-time Racine resident, told the council she is "deeply concerned about the loss of trees and its impact on birds and other wildlife," and urged elected officials to wait until the developers secure Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corps permits before advancing the project.
Michael Burke, who identified himself as president of an Audubon group, said the site lies on a primary migratory bird route and that the proposal would clear most trees east of Lighthouse Drive. "I am asking the city council to press pause and consider another alternative for the bluff," he said, advocating a living-shoreline approach that uses native vegetation rather than a full rock revetment.
Other speakers echoed concerns about habitat loss, historical deed restrictions and potential privatization: Karen Johnson told the council she believes a 1917 deed by Dr. Shoup conveyed the property "for public park purposes" and urged the council to honor that restriction; Colin McKenna and Harry Schultz warned about losing older trees and questioned whether a high-end course would serve local golfers. Helen Johnson Leopold, representing the family leading the proposal, said the family is not a developer, intends to protect trees where possible and does "not [seek] to make money."
Council members responded procedurally: the mayor announced a communication sponsored by the mayor to authorize an agreement with Leopold Johnson Golf Group for shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration, clubhouse construction and a long-term lease; that communication (Item 0609-26) was referred to the executive committee. Separately, the council debated and then voted 11-2 to receive and file a staff update on the existing golf-course contract (Item 0594-26) rather than send a fresh item to committee immediately.
The council did not adopt or reject the development plan at this meeting; the referral and the receive-and-file vote set the matter for further committee-level consideration.
