PC Meeting Date: April 17, 2025
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
Title
Staff Updates.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff provide updates to the Planning Commission.
Summary Report:
City Council Information
- The upcoming agenda items list is attached for reference.
Planning Applications & Related Updates
- See hyperlink on the City’s Construction & Development Map.
- Central Park was approved by City Council to become a local heritage preservation site.
- No new updates for The Archer House site plan application. The application is open and needs final approval. Staff are working with the development team to complete the review. The development team plans to begin construction on the site this year.
- Loon Liquor closed on the purchase of 115 5th Street. W. (Northfield News building). The PC will review the conditional use permit application and City Council will review on May 6, 2025.
- Staff reached out to the Cedar Meadows development team and are waiting to hear back on timeline for 2025. Phase 1 of Cedar Meadows includes a 45-unit senior housing coop. There are more than 55 reservations collected. The Gracewin cooperative's model is to start the permitting process once they have 72 reservations.
- The Bridge Square project planning phase nears completion. Staff and the consultant team are gathering lighting and seating options for the HPC to review and approve. Tentatively set for HPC review at their May meeting.
- The Planning Commission Work Plan 2025 - 2028 is attached as a first draft for review. Due to the heavy April 17, 2025, agenda, the work plan is included to allow commissioners to review the existing document. As the Comprehensive Plan nears completion and the City Council continues to work on an updated 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, staff and the commission will work together to align work plan initiatives with those long- and short-term policy plans.
- Staff received one letter of intent from a development team for the 5th and Washington redevelopment project. The team proposed a market-rate condo project with additional retail space. Staff and the team are completing due diligence with the proposer, architects, and financial advisors to develop a financially feasible and responsible proforma prior to committing more time or funds.
- Staff continue to work with Post Consumer Brands on the Ames Mill Dam. The main discussion includes timeline of transferring ownership of the dam. Staff has scheduled a meeting with American Rivers who specialize in dam removals to discuss potential partnership. The dam is part of our Downtown Historic District, so a certificate of appropriateness will be required for any work on the dam. Staff will update and are working with the HPC on any progress related to the project.
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 has webinars related to historic preservation. The city is a member and can share webinar links if there is interest.
Events
- 2026 Mill and Overlay & Mill Towns Trail Improvements Neighborhood Meeting #1
o April 16, 2025
o 5:30-7:00 PM
o Second Floor Training Room, City Hall
- See hyperlink to other city meetings and community events.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timeline:
N/A