Politics & Government

Village Free to Add Atwater Beach Fencing

Adding a fence to deter trespassing onto privately owned beaches could cost the village $7,500 to $12,900.

The village says it might be able to replace fencing at ’s north and south edge, after North Lake Drive homeowners said its removal in April 2009 opened the door for beachgoers to trespass onto privately owned beaches.

Residents made it clear at a they wanted the fence back up, saying since it was removed they have experienced increased traffic onto their private beaches. Underage drinking, drug use, littering, broken glass and syringes, theft, unattended fires and vandalism were all happening on their private property, residents said. Another homeowner called the fires, kids having sex and drugs and alcohol on the beach an everyday occurrence.

Shorewood's Park Commission approved removing the fence after a special interest group said the chain-linked fencing wasn't aesthetically pleasing and ruined the gem that is Atwater Beach.

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The village was initially unsure whether it could get approval to put the fencing back up, mainly from agencies that typically have jurisdiction over placing fencing on public beach property. The village talked with the Department of Natural Resources and Army Corps of Engineering, and both said if the fence was placed above the ordinary high water mark, or where the water typically doesn't go beyond, then the village was free to install a fence.

The DNR will not assist the village in determining the high water mark, but rather the village will use historical knowledge and experts to determine its location.

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However, a new fence will have to act as a deterrent rather than an actual physical barrier, because the high water mark is not at the water's edge, so beachgoers can simply walk around the fence to venture onto private property.

But, Trustee Michael Maher said the village might be allowed to attach a fence to an existing fence on a dock near the edge of the public beach, which would eliminate any gap.

And, have had a difficult time patrolling private beaches due to tough terrain and lack of resources. Chief David Banaszynski said at the Jan. 25 meeting police are dispatched when trespassing is reported, but by the time officers arrive, trespassers have left the area.

Village officials have gathered fence estimates, including $7,500 for a basic chain-link fence and $9,961 to $12,990 for an ornamental iron fence or more decorative fence.

Maher said it is likely another month before the Village Board will take action whether to add the fence.

Compared to other North Shore communities with shorelines, Shorewood is unique because it has private beaches next to a public beach. Whitefish Bay is similar, but private beaches are rocky.


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