Planning Commission Meeting Date: August 15, 2024
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
Nate Carlson, Economic Development Coordinator
Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Mathias Hughey, Associate Planner
Title
Update and Discussion of Downtown Redevelopment Projects.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield Planning Commission will receive a presentation from staff regarding the 5th & Washington redevelopment project and have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the project.
Summary Report:
Earlier this year, in an effort to efficiently work towards the successful development of a new municipal liquor store, the City Council delegated advisory responsibilities for downtown redevelopment projects to the EDA through Council Resolution 2024-044 (Attachment 1). Because the redevelopment of this parcel may require Planning Commission (PC) review, staff will provide regular updates on the 5th and Washington redevelopment plans.
Since parting ways with the original development group, staff has been working with several consultant partners to develop conceptual scenarios for the development. A recording of the July 22, 2024 Economic Development Authority meeting is available on the City website, and is included as Attachment 2. At that meeting, TSP Architects, the firm providing guidance for a new liquor store; Bruce Jacobson, the landscape architecture and community engagement consultant for efforts associated with the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan; internal stakeholders from the housing and planning groups within the Community Development Department, and the City’s financial advisor facilitated a discussion. The Community Development Director will share an abbreviated presentation with the PC and facilitate discussion.
Team members include:
Bruce Jacobson - Landscape architect and community engagement consultant
Von Peterson - Principal/Architect, TSP Architects
Greg Schoer - Architect, TSP Architects
Nick Anhut -Municipal financial advisor, Ehlers
Ben Martig - City Administrator
Jake Reilly - Community Development Director
Brian Whitt - City Liquor Store Manager
Nate Carlson - Economic Development Coordinator
Melissa Hanson - Housing Coordinator
Mikayla Schmidt - City Planner
Mathias Hughey - Associate City Planner
Staff is seeking direct feedback from commissioners regarding the overall conceptual design and project components. In addition, staff look forward to receiving any questions the group has regarding financial feasibility. If there are questions that cannot yet be answered, staff welcomes to opportunity to hear those questions to prepare answers for a future meeting. Staff encourages commissioners to engage in the conversation and consider the broader framework of the project in relation to how it fits within the downtown commercial district.
Alternative Options:
None at this time.
Financial Impacts:
Financial impacts will be presented by City staff in greater detail in future meetings.
Tentative Timelines:
Timelines will be discussed as the projects proceed.