Orono is Disappearing

Over the course of years since Dennis Walsh has become Mayor, several shifts in land use have taken place in Orono. Set backs have been reduced and lakeshore mature tree replacement optional. ADUs have been added and public land vacations have increased.

Two specific land deals have grabbed the attention of citizens and the media with still unknown outcomes. First, is the lakeshore access point at the end of West Lake Road seen in the map above. This public property was sold to Orono Planning Commissioner Bob Erickson for $100,000. This transaction is now in review with the Minnesota State Auditor’s office. Also in review is the conflict of interest as Mr. Erickson is a City official as part of purported criminal complaint(s) with the Hennepin County Sheriff.

The second land vacation is where several right of ways including public access to Lake Minnetonka on Wildhurst Trail see map below. This time the land was given to Orono City Council member Matt Johnson for free. Again, this transaction is now in review with the Minnesota State Auditor’s office. Also in review is the conflict of interest as Mr. Johnson is a City official and part of the purported criminal complaint(s) with the Hennepin County Sheriff.

For more information, please see the documents attached in the sub categories in this section.