02-25-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CMPPartSB. L—dUxPlM LAKE MINNETONKA ISLANDS Land on Big Island (including the east and west islands plus Mahpiyafa Island) and Deering Island has been privately owned for nuuiy decades and has been used for a significant number of seasonal cottages plus a few year- round homes. The islands also omtain a substantial amount of public and private park land and recreation areas. Blfi ISLAND History Big Island was first called Meeker’s Island for Judge Bradley B. Meeker who settled there in 1852. W.B. Morse purchased it in 1854 and for many years thereaft er it was known as Morse Island. In 1887 and 1 88^, two subdivisions to create small parcels were platted, Morse Island Park on the most southerly point, and Pleasant View on the west end. This resulted in the construction of a number of individual summer homes. During the early 1900's, the Twin City streetcar lines operated Big Island Amusement Park on the east end of the island. The onset of World War I resulted in its dismantling. This 60-acre property eventually became the Big Island Veterans Camp, which is still in operation. Hennepin Parks acquired a 60-acre parcel near the center of the island about 30 years ago, and since then acquiretl a few small adjacent parcels totaling an additional 10 acres as they became available and as fimds permitted. This area has been designated by Hennepin Parks as the Dr. Arthur Allen Wildlife Refuge. By the early 1970's, approximately 50 mostly seasonal cabins existed on private parcels on Big Island. In May 1972 the Orono Village Council declared via Resolution No. 446 that "the long range highest and best use of Big Island is for park purposes", acknowledging that the provision of public services to the island is uneconomical and and unlikely to occur in the future. It was suggested that the Hermepin County Paric Reserve District should admimster such a park. The 1980 Orono Comprehensive Plan noted the same concerns, and again encouraged eventual ownership by Hermepin Paries. However, the City declared it would not condemn private property for park purposes, and therefore in 1983 created the "RS" Recreational Seasonal Zoning District, providing development standards for continued private recreation^ residential use of the island until such time that the slow transition to a public park is complete. The RS Zoning District provides specific standards and limitations for permitted, conditional and acessory uses on the island, with a CHy of Oroao Coamimity MaMgeacal Plan Page 3B-49