The History of BSPOA

Timeline/History

For 29 years, our association has been the heartbeat of the neighborhood—fostering connection, championing local initiatives, and creating spaces where everyone feels at home. From beautification projects and safety improvements to unforgettable events and volunteer-driven successes, we've built more than just a community—we've built a family.

As we honor the past, we look forward to a future filled with new ideas, deeper engagement, and continued growth. Here's to the next chapter of making a difference—together.

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BSPOA 28-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

This chronology highlights major BSPOA initiatives and accomplishments from 1997 through 2025. Because many activities continue from year to year, only selected milestones are included.

1997:  *Founded and elected first official steering committee and held a meeting for all members. 

*Met with Westwood Shores developer to encourage building a berm with vegetation to soften visual impact of property from road.

1998: Represented on Multiple Occupancy Steering Committee for purpose of reviewing and making recommendations for the DC zoning ordinance.

1999: Participated in a resolution to establish an ad hoc Sevastopol land use committee to develop a long-term land use plan for the township.  Resolution approved at the annual Town Meeting.  Study was referenced for the Sevastopol Smart Growth plan.

2000: * In response to resident interest, expanded BSPOA membership to Egg Harbor Township. 

Coordinated a meeting with former Assemblyman Dave Hutchison to discuss limiting construction of solid-fill dock piers along the Green Bay shoreline. BSPOA also worked with DNR staff to develop a more complete permit application and provided testimony at hearings. Applications for solid-fill dock piers were declined, and docks now allow water to flow through.

*Provided financial support for board member to pursue purchase options of the Hutter property before development interests closed opportunity. This effort led to the purchase by the DC Land Trust of the Bayshore Bluffland Preserve.   

2001: *Met with DC Road Commissioner regarding timing of roadside mowing/trimming to request later summer schedule for benefit of blooming plants. 

*Initiated anecdotal histories of properties and residents in the Bay Shore area to preserve historical data and information.

2002:  *Supported initiative of a public access channel for Sevastopol.  Channel 19 in operation.

*Initiated annual spring cleanup along 13-miles of Bay Shore Drive (BSD).

2003: *Lobbied Sevastopol Town Board not to increase BSD speed limit due to safety.  Encouraged Town to look at increasing passing zones.  Both successful.

*Supported residents in their efforts to preserve Sunset Lane’s natural roadside with testimony and a contribution.

2004: * Initiated water testing for bacteria levels along a 13-mile stretch of Green Bay.  Coordinated results with UW Oshkosh.

*Participated in DC Invasive Species Teamwork that led to informative brochures and website for invasive species identification and control techniques.

2005:  *Organized volunteers to help with Door County Triathlon.

*Implemented an email system for membership.

2006: * Initiated a propane survey to obtain reduced negotiated price. **

*Endorsed Door Property Owners PR campaign to work with community, local and state officials to target dishwashing detergent and fertilizers that contain phosphates, which harm marine life, degrade water quality and generate algae.

2007:  *Pledged 400-hours of membership work to identify and treat invasive species on the Blufflands and on local, private property.  BSPOA commitment helped DCLT receive an $18,000 grant.  Surpassed pledged hours.

*Representation on Egg Harbor Township and Sevastopol Smart Growth Committees. 

*Received $1000 grant for water testing.  Program coordinated with UW Oshkosh.

2008:  Completed a database to simplify multiple functions and to enable BSPOA to notify members by email of timely issues.

2009: * Developed and implemented BSPOA website.

*Asked SBU to use a shield to direct Hwy lighting downward at intersections of Cty BB and Dunn Road with BSD, as part of BSPOA Dark Skies initiative. 

2010:  Represented on DC Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Land Trust, Silent Sports Alliance, Invasive Species Team & Door Property Owners.

2011:  *Pledged another 400-hours of service, over 2 years to DC Land Trust for identification & removal of invasive species, which helps them receive grants.

*Committed to obtain 12 BSPOA volunteers to assist with the Fall 50 (run from Gills Rock to Sturgeon Bay).                           

*Conducted a 13-mile GPS identification of phragmites along the shoreline for The Ridges Door County assessment.

2012:  *Obtained 12 BSPOA volunteers for the new Half Iron Man that adds a second day to the DC triathlon.

*Offered an Invasive Species Eradication presentation to membership.

Researched zoning regulations related to fireworks and residential camping in response to member concerns. Launched a 50/50 grant program to support removal of honeysuckle and buckthorn, both invasive species. Updated software to enable electronic newsletter distribution.

2013: Supported and provided assistance for three Egg Harbor Township conservation projects.

*Attended seminars for Climate Change and Emerald Ash Borer.                                                                                                                               

*Incorporated to limit potential liability for board members.

2014:  *Designed a member survey to quantify demand for high-speed internet service and had meetings with internet providers.

*Attended DC Planning and Zoning Committee meetings to discuss tower ordinance proposals.

*Wrote letter to Wisconsin legislators regarding Shoreline Zoning proposals.

2015:  *Expanded 50/50 grant program to include eradication of all invasive species included in the DC Invasive Species Team brochure. **

BSPOA met with county staff and park volunteers to discuss Murphy Park’s needs. It subsequently contributed $2,100 to the Door County Parks Department to help cover personal protective equipment for Horseshoe Bay cave tours at Murphy Park, provided volunteers with safety gear for public tours, and assisted with the tours.

2016:  *Completed annual 13-mile spring clean-up along BSD and added 4 miles of adjoining roads off BSD.

*BSPOA volunteers worked with DC Park employees to rake and clean the Murphy Park beach.

*Developed partnership with Sevastopol Town Board to monitor phragmites along BSD.

2017:  *Introduced electronic newsletter and bulletins, known as ‘Constant Contact,” to improve member communication.

*Developed a 3-year partnership control program for buckthorn at Bay Shore Blufflands with DC Land Trust to eradicate invasives at the preserve.

2018:  *BSPOA board member elected to be a Sevastopol Town Board Supervisor.

*Assisted with planting of demonstration garden at Bay Shore Blufflands to show natural plants that can replace invasives.

*Co-sponsored the DC Planning Department organization of the Shoreline Zoning Education Seminar.

*Organized and held the first summer Picnic Social at Murphy Park.

2019: Wrote to the Governor in support of renewing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. Contributed to the Door County Land Trust buckthorn-control program, the Celebrate Water Door County 2019 Water Summit, and Crossroads; BSPOA also attended the Water Summit.

*Had presentation to inform Board of proposed quarry ledge development at the Olde Quarry Park for a campground that would allow 117 motorhomes and include onsite homes, a swim pool, club house and maintenance building.   

*Opposed rezoning of ‘The Cabin’ on BSD for a pool and spa hot tub retail business. Sevastopol Town Board opposed.

*Opposed proposal for retail wine license to sell wine from residence on BSD. Sevastopol Town Board denied.

2020: The Board appointed a committee to work with the Quarry Neighborhood Action Group in opposing the quarry-ledge campground development. Efforts included independent research, legal and environmental consultations, meetings with the DNR and other agencies, fundraising, public outreach, and participation in hearings. The Door County Resource Planning Committee unanimously denied the proposal, and the developers chose not to appeal. Selected BSPOA activities were put on hold during this period. BSPOA began using Zoom for board meetings and held its annual meeting virtually because of COVID-19. In response to rapid growth in short-term rentals (STRs) in Sevastopol, the Town Board began developing an STR ordinance. BSPOA endorsed the ordinance’s “objective and intent” to help retain the character of the Bay Shore Drive neighborhood. The Town Board unanimously approved the ordinance in July 2021, with full implementation beginning July 1, 2022. BSPOA also opposed the proposed Dollar General project on Highway 42 in Egg Harbor Township and contributed to legal expenses; the Town Board denied the project.

*Represented at the Midwest Environmental Advocates educational meeting for the ‘Great Lakes and its Drinking Water’.

2021: *Had a professional 2019-2020 financial audit.  “Records were in good order”.

*The second quarry proposal, initially consisting of 43 homesites and permitted in the DC Zoning Ordinance, was submitted to the DC Land Use Department June 2021. The Old Quarry Group addressed communication outreach, and the BSPOA Board established an Ad Hoc committee to monitor and to meet with appropriate government agencies.

2022:  *In coordination with the DC Highway Department, initiated, coordinated, and paid for installation of two flashing speed limit signs on BSD.

*Contracted for design of new website, which is to include paperless payments.   

*August 18,2022, the Sevastopol Resource Planning Committee (RPC) voted 3-2 to approve the Quarry Bluff LLC.  BSPOA Quarry Ad Hoc committee determined to closely monitor quarry activity.

*BSPOA celebrated its 25th year at the 2021-2022 annual meeting.

2023: Learned that the Board of Adjustment would not review the August 18, 2022, Resource Planning Committee decision approving Quarry Bluff LLC. The Ad Hoc Quarry Committee planned to monitor compliance with applicable code requirements, including DNR and Land Use Department criteria. Infrastructure development and lot sales were expected to proceed. Construction within one-quarter mile of peregrine falcons was restricted from March 15 through July 10.

*Board Strategy and Initiatives Planning Session in July.

*Can pay membership dues/fill out volunteer forms on website.  

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2024:  *Relaunched Invasive Species 50/50 grant program, which pays up to $500 per household.**    Twelve members participated.   

*To integrate all membership and communication functions, board voted to work with new software.

*Made $200 donation for Sevastopol Ballpark Restrooms.

*Member request to add two speed reduction signs north of quarry.  Decision on hold.

BSPOA successfully advocated for reducing the size of the bank-financing sign at the quarry to comply with code. A makeshift two-story observation stand on the quarry ledge was also removed because it posed a safety hazard.

Learned that speed limits along Bay Shore Drive cannot be reduced because the Door County Highway and Facilities Committee

Declined to support the speed study required by the state before speed limits on county highways can be changed.

2025:  Launched new software, Springly.

BSPOA went on record with the DNR, Door County supervisors, and the Sevastopol Town Board in opposition to the DNR’s conditional permit for a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) proposed by Gilbert Farms in Sevastopol.

** Programs to save BSPOA members money

BSPOA works to maintain the safe, natural and aesthetic character of the Bay Shore Drive area and provides a forum for discussion and action on issues that impact the residential character of the neighborhoods and those that affect the character of Door County and/or the property rights of Bay Shore property owners.

Annual Activities

Our annual activities are more than events—they’re opportunities to build lasting relationships, strengthen our neighborhood, and make a difference together. From seasonal gatherings to volunteer initiatives, there’s something for everyone. Here is a list summarizing what we do throughout the year:

Coordinates with the BSPOA members by hosting an annual meeting.

Managing the website to provide member information, historical content and news and notices.

Providing opportunities for member participation.

Communicating current events via email updates.

Reviewing short and long-term goals and by-laws and conducting membership surveys to learn how to better serve its members.

Represents BSOPA at Sevastopol and Egg Harbor Town Meetings, the Town's Annual Meeting, and the Door County Resource Committee and Board of Adjustment Meetings.

Negotiates a group price for the propane program which has saved hundreds of dollars for BSPOA members.

Offers 50/50 Invasive Species Eradication Grant Program to member residences.

Assists the organizers of the Annual Two-Day County Triathlon and Half Iron Man Marathon races held at Murphy Park and distributes water bottles to participants.

Volunteers for the Annual Door County Fall 50 Run by operating the Carlsville Rest Station to distribute refreshments for participants.

Organizes the Bay Shore Drive Spring Clean-Up to beautify the 12.5 miles along Bay Shore Drive and 4 miles of adjoining roads.

Striving to maintain a safe Bay Shore Drive for all. Neighbors for a SAFE Bay Shore Drive (NFSBSD)was founded to bring to light the need for awareness when traveling on Bay Shore Drive.