City Council Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Nate Carlson, Economic Development Coordinator
Title
Resolution to Execute a Development Agreement with Manawa, LLC for the Archer.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council consider a resolution authorizing execution of a development agreement with Manawa, LLC for the Archer redevelopment project.
Summary Report:
In addition to Manawa, LLC (Site Owner) requesting Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentives from the City of Northfield, the City of Northfield has requested that the developer make improvements to the riverfront side of the property in coordination with the City to implement the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan (2019). And, as part of an initiative to ensure access to restrooms for the general public across the municipality, including ADA and State statute-compliant public restrooms.
The proposed Archer project includes a plaza on the river side of the building designed for public use. The developer intends to make future improvements to the plaza in a subsequent phase. The Development Agreement provides a rendering of what the Council and public can expect to be built.
Additionally, the Archer project will have public restrooms accessible throughout the day. There are dedicated restrooms within the building on the riverfront side as well as the Division Street side. Signage and hours will be made clear to the public.
Riverfront Plaza Enhancement Plan
Moving from the west side of the new Archer building toward the City owned parcels of the current Riverwalk along the Cannon River, the Riverfront Plaza as part of this project will include: landscaping (bushes and trees) abutting the new Archer building, a concrete curb, then a pedestrian oriented concrete walk/drive lane (as part of an easement area to the adjacent Nutting Mall building). From there, the concrete would transition to large green space open area consisting of grass that extends up to the property line boundary and city-owned Riverwalk area. There will be a connection to the existing City Riverwalk and park but would not include additional improvements to the City park with the project.
An image of the plaza will be provided to Council in a supplemental memo, and the illustration will be included within the Development Agreement as Exhibit C.
Alternative Options:
Council may choose not to approve the Development Agreement at this time.
Financial Impacts:
This Development Agreement is tied to the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. If the developer fails to uphold this development agreement, the TIF assistance will be forfeited.
Tentative Timelines:
December 7, 2021 - City approved substandard designation prior to building demolition
October 19, 2023 - Planning Commission review of TIF documentation for TIF-assisted project’s compliance with comprehensive development plans
October 23, 2023 - EDA Board Meeting to review TIF request and consider recommendation
October 25, 2023 - Publication of the TIF Public Hearing Notice
November 7, 2023 - TIF Public Hearing and consideration to establish TIF District
November 12, 2024
• City Council considers TIF Assistance Agreement & District creation
• City Council considers a Development Agreement with Manawa, LLC for the development of the Archer