PC Meeting Date: April 16, 2026
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Title
Staff Updates.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff provide updates to the Planning Commission.
Summary Report:
City Council & Board/Commission Updates
- The upcoming agenda items list is attached for reference.
Zoning Code Update & Redesign
- Houseal Lavigne is working to summarize all the data collected during the kick-off in March and compiling initial recommendations on changes to the land development code.
- The Zoning Code Update website is attached please fill out the questionnaire!
Planning Applications & Related Updates
- Park & Trail Dedication Fees: Staff continue to work on this item as time allows.
- See the hyperlink in the attachments for the City’s Development Map.
- Redevelopment Update: The Archer, located at 212 Division Street South, previously received or was in the process of several approvals for a mixed use residential and commercial building. However, Rebound Partners announced last November that the redevelopment plan in downtown Northfield was not financially viable at that time. Staff are working with Rebound on the development of the site. The developers went before the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) to meet and introduce the project moving forward again. The HPC formed a subcommittee to assist review of the new building against the Downtown Heritage Preservation Design Guidelines for Northfield.
- The Cedar Meadows development has completed their financing, finalized their financial security documents, have signed all documents and have taken the development agreement and final plat to be recorded with Dakota County. The grading permit is approved and the development team will begin site work to clear trees and grade the site in the coming weeks.
- Staff continue to work with Post Consumer Brands on the Ames Mill Dam. The main discussion includes timeline of transferring ownership of the dam. The dam is part of our Downtown Historic District, so a certificate of appropriateness and Section 106 review will be required.
Training Opportunities
- The Maryland Department of Planning has free webinars on a variety of topics. Please see the link in the attachments to view and/or subscribe.
- The National Alliance for Preservation Commissions (NAPC) has webinars related to historic preservation. The city is a member and can share webinar links if there is interest.
- The NAPC is hosting their bi-annual forum in Minneapolis! Forum 2026 will be over July 22-26. The city is a member and can look into adding commissioners who may wish to attend who are interested. Please let Mikayla or Mathias know.
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timeline:
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