PC Meeting Date: May 15, 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.
- 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 Liquors, LLC received approval of their conditional use permit application from City Council on May 6, 2025.
- Staff continues to reach out to the Cedar Meadows development team. We have had no response on their timeline for 2025.
- The Bridge Square project planning phase nears completion. Staff and the consultant team worked together to provide alternative lighting and seating options for the HPC to review and approve. The HPC approved application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Bridge Square reconstruction plans and designs subject to conditions associated with light fixtures and seating options. The project is planned for construction in either 2026 or 2027.
- Economic uncertainty associated with global tariffs and supply chain concerns have slowed the 5th and Washington liquor store redevelopment project. The team proposed a market-rate condo project with additional retail space. The team continues to work on a financially feasible and responsible proforma prior to committing more time or funds. Staff has developed a list of alternative opportunities if market forces negatively impact the proposer’s ability to construct the project.
- 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 met with American Rivers who specialize in dam removals and discussed ways to partner; which include 1) creating a draft budget/grant plan, utilizing American Rivers, other river advocacy groups and interns to draft and research, 2) weave the Certificate of Appropriateness process into the time line with the Army Corp of Engineers, 3) finalize a time line of ownership transfer and state approval, 4) review Barr plans for ecological, economic and recreational feasibility.
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
- DSI Cleanup Days
o Hosting by the city
o Location: Northfield Maintenance Facility - 1710 Riverview Dr.
o You must be a Northfield resident and provide proof of residence (City ID, driver's license, utility bill, etc). All items must be unloaded by residents.
o Acceptable items:
§ Household garbage
§ Bulk items
§ Construction waste including windows, doors, lumber, shingles, sheetrock, and scrap metal
o See hyperlink for all details of acceptable and unacceptable items
- See hyperlink to other city meetings and community events.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timeline:
N/A