Scandia OK's narrow Log House Landing boat launch road

Judge John Nethaway's cottage at Log House Landing on the St. Croix River is pictured circa 1903. At right on the river's edge are a canvas shelter and flag pole. The site was a steamboat landing in the 1850s and is now a public boat landing owned by the city of Scandia. Plans to widen the roadway leading to the landing have upset some residents, who hope to work with the city to help preserve the area's rural character. (Courtesy of Washington County Historical Society)

A narrow, tree-lined gravel road that leads to the Log House Landing boat launch on the St. Croix River is going to stay narrow and tree-lined, but the road and an adjacent parking lane on the north side will be paved.

The Scandia City Council on Tuesday night approved the Log House Landing committee's recommendation that the road be paved and be 13 feet wide but went against the committee's recommendation that the parking lane remain gravel.

City staff had recommended a 20-foot-wide paved road.

"I am certainly pleased that the council approved a narrower driveway that will allow for the preservation of the original contour of the road," said Pam Plowman Smith, a committee member and a spokeswoman for Friends of Log House Landing. "But our committee does not feel that paving the additional parking lane is wise. We hope to continue discussions."

The advisory committee, which was appointed by the council in October, consisted of representatives from the city council, planning commission, Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District, St. Croix River Association and the public.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Carnelian-Marine Watershed District still must sign off on the plans, said City Administrator Kristina Handt. If both of those agencies approve and help fund the plan, construction could start in late July or early August, she said.

"The city looks forward to implementing this compromise proposal to protect the St.

City officials said the work was needed to improve traffic flow and halt erosion; opponents said the changes would be too severe and disturb the environment.

Mary Divine can be reached at 651-228-5443. Follow her at twitter.com/MaryEDivine.

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Scandia OK's narrow Log House Landing boat launch road