It's the Jewel of the Shore - That's Our Point!
The goal of the Lighthouse Point Group is to preserve Lighthouse Point as a natural and public space for residents and visitors, now and for future generations.
Lighthouse Point is between Agate Bay and Burlington
Bay in Two Harbors, Minnesota, on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The area
has been used by
the community as a natural park and walking trail for years. Lighthouse Point is a much-loved area
for residents and visitors. The arch at the beginning of the trails is inscribed
with the words "Spirit of
Two Harbors." It is truly one of the jewels of the North Shore available
for all to enjoy. 
The area was used as a park with consent of the DM&IR Railroad, and the City of Two Harbors was negotiating to buy the land. In December 2002, a developer bought extensive property in Two Harbors, including the majority of Lighthouse Point, from the holding company of the railroad. Proposals for development, and City Council responses went through many stages. The Lighthouse Point Group and an earlier group demonstrated widespread citizen support for preservation throughout the process.
In October 2006 the developer and City Council representatives reached a mediated agreement. It basically allows the developer to build on the grassy area at the base of the point (by the water treatment plant) and in an area adjacent to the Lighthouse and Boat Launch parking lot (facing Agate Bay and the future marina) and on Pork City Hill. The developer agreed to deed over the wooded area of Lighthouse Point to the city. The city agreed to give the developer large amounts of tax breaks for infrastructure and agreed to pursue annexation to the city of Pork City Hill. The Lighthouse Point Group supported the agreement, with considerable reservations, and continued to take a "watchdog" role.
In December 2006 the developer filed suit against the city to
overturn the agreement. In July 2007 the district court ruled the agreement
is binding, and in December, the district court of appeals agreed.
Meanwhile, the Lighthouse Point Group has used Freedom of Information requests of pertinent documents,
including the report on environmental testing performed to comply with a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency voluntary program the developer enrolled in. The report raised many questions and the group hired an expert in environmental
testing to review the report in detail and write a response for us to the MPCA.
The testing certainly does not seem adequate as a basis for decisions about the environmental aspects of building in the area. We are currently waiting for a response. It may also be possible to seek help through the Department of Health, especially regarding the concerns for the city water intake.
Smart and sustainable development is key for Two Harbors, but it is also important to preserve one of the community's most valuable historical, cultural, tourism and ecological assets.