Economic Development Authority Meeting Date: July 22, 2024
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
Nate Carlson, Economic Development Coordinator
Title
Update and Discussion of Downtown Redevelopment Projects - EDA Advisory Role.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield EDA will receive a presentation from staff regarding the 5th & Washington redevelopment project and discuss the project.
Summary Report:
The City Council delegated advisory responsibilities to the EDA through CC Resolution 2024-044 (Attachment 1). Economic Development staff has prepared a presentation on the proposed 5th & Washington redevelopment project.
5th and Washington:
Staff will provide an update to the EDA 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. TSP Architects, the firm providing guidance for a new liquor store, Bruce Jacobson, the landscape architecture and community engagement consultant for the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan, and internal stakeholders from the housing and planning groups within the Community Development Department, along with the City’s financial advisory will facilitate the work session.
Team members include the following:
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
Staff is seeking direct feedback from EDA Board members regarding the overall design, project components, and financial feasibility. Staff encourages Board members 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.