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CITY COUNCIL: Approves memorial tree at Bridgewood Park PAGE 13
Residents share thoughts on proposed Greenhaven Drive improvements BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Several residents have shared their thoughts on the city’s proposed street improvement plan for Greenhaven Drive. The project would narrow the street from 36 feet to 26 feet to improve traffic safety and install new storm sewer infrastructure. Additional improvements would include water and sanitary sewer utility repairs and lining the existing water main. A 10-foot boulevard using stormwater bestmanagement practices and a 10-foot pedestrian trail are also being considered. The city stated that Greenhaven Drive does not provide a separate space for pedestrians and cyclists, which it said creates conflicts with vehicles. After the projects, the width of the driving lane would remain the same, while the overall paved surface would be narrowed to reduce speeding and improve driver attentiveness. Criticisms focused on the proposed narrowing and concerns that it would affect mobility. “The picture looks good, but all the impact it’s going to have on homes and properties is going to be devastating to a lot of people,” said resident Craig Johnson. “The narrow street’s going to be hard for us getting in and out with all the buses, garbage trucks and maintenance vehicles. You have to take into consideration the 400-plus homes that were built in that area when that
Back to School
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The State Fair is in full swing, which means it’s crunch time for local school districts to prepare for students to return next week. Over the summer, staff leaders took part in a leadership and professional development retreat to prepare for the upcoming school year. Activities include team building exercises, goal setting and group discussions.
SEE GREENHAVEN DRIVE, PAGE 13
Birchwood requests representative resign from conservation district BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
BIRCHWOOD — The City Council is requesting that Susie Mahoney resign as the city representative on the White Bear Lake Conservation District Board. The council directed City Administrator Scott Hildebrand to write a letter to Mahoney requesting she resign by the end of August. Birchwood resident Justin McCarthy, who previously made the same request to the conservation district, urged the council to remove Mahoney from her position as one of the city’s two representatives on the board. (See “White Bear Conservation District to draft letter for dock disagreement,” White Bear Press, July 23, 2025.) “These members are appointed by the council and are entrusted with the responsibility to serve
the city’s interests at the district. Unfortunately, Mrs. Susie Mahoney has taken personal actions that are opposite to the city’s interests and that also compromise her ability to advocate for Birchwood’s interests in the future,” McCarthy said. “She cannot effectively advocate for Birchwood when she is threatening legal action against the district. No one at the district will work with her while she is threatening legal action.” Birchwood resident Julie McKenzie, who has lived in the community for 31 years, said she also wanted to see Mahoney removed from the board. “The past 17 years, I have heard and witnessed the harassing behavior of Susie and Larry Mahoney against (Jim and Debbie Harrod). They have brought many lawsuits against the Harrods and even a few against their neighbors on the other side,” McKenzie explained. “My understanding is that these threats and lawsuits have cost our city thousands of dollars
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in legal fees and wasted city employee time.” McKenzie added, “She has been holding our neighborhood hostage for years. Like myself, many of our neighbors have grown tired of Susie and Larry’s behavior and tactics. Susie Mahoney should not represent Birchwood on the conservation district or hold any position of leadership representing Birchwood. She seems to only be there to serve her own needs and not the city of Birchwood’s.” Council Member Ryan Hankins asked the city attorney to weigh in on the allegation that the city of Birchwood transferred 10 feet of property to the Harrods. Attorney Alan Kantrud explained that the city commissioned a survey back in 2012 that established the property line, which hasn’t changed since then. SEE BIRCHWOOD, PAGE 11
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