Economic Development Authority Meeting Date: October 26, 2026
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Scott Wopata, Community Development Director
Emery John, Interim Program Coordinator
Title
Staff Updates
Body
Action Requested:
No action at this time.
Summary Report:
Congratulations to Cardinal Glass for being certified as a MNSTAR Program worksite! This is an honor that represents sites that go above and beyond OSHA regulations to ensure worker safety. They are one of fewer than forty sites in the state of Minnesota to carry this recognition. Additionally, Cardinal Glass also has recently expanded their footprint in Northfield. Cardinal Glass is an ideal industrial anchor in the Northfield community and their commitment to worker safety aligns with the City’s values.
City-led text/ordinance amendments:
- Industrial Block Length Maximum
o Passed at Council to eliminate real barrier to industrial development.
- Sign Ordinance
o Planning Commission recommended approval of a change to Northfield’s sign ordinance that prohibits all exterior off-site advertising. The revised ordinance is targeted to allow Northfield Schools, City parks, and youth recreation associations to secure sponsorships for field signage, wayfinding, and scoreboards. City Council will hear a first reading of this in November.
- Data Processing Facilities Setback to Planned Greenway or Trails
o City Council reviewed and approved adjusting the setback for data processing facilities to 200 feet from Planned Greenway or trail. This reflects other specific standards in the code which already address noise, vibrations, and other visual buffering.
- Park Dedication Fees
o Planning Commission recommended approval of a change to Northfield’s park dedication fees. These are most closely linked with housing development and the increase in costs to maintain and construct high-quality parks in Northfield.
Housing:
- Gracewin Cooperative, a 47 unit senior housing cooperatives, received approval for two variances from Planning Commission. They will now work through site plan, permitting, and final financing before breaking ground as the first building development in Cedar Meadows.
- The HRA reviewed initial concepts for HRA owned properties on Cherry St and Linden. Habitat for Humanity presented their initial ideas. Direction from the HRA was to explore more density and housing types while preserving an existing home and a priority to honor the look and feel of the neighborhood. This will be a small housing project (6-12 units) to be taken on by the HRA in 2027.
Community Development Department News
- Holly Hansen, Northfield’s new Community Development Manager, will be starting on November 2! She has an abundance of experience in both housing and economic development work, along with planning expertise. We will welcome her at the November EDA meeting.
- Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner, is returning from parental leave. We are excited to have her back.
- Community Development will be fully staffed (other than budget related staffing reductions) for the first time since late 2025.
Future Agenda Items
November 2026 (reminder: Monday before Thanksgiving.)
- Riverwalk Market Fair Presentation
- Redevelopment Committee Update
- Financial policy for revolving loan reserves
- Hockey Arena project update and financial overview
- Conduit bonding brief/primer
- Staff report on Arts Guild update
No December meeting - Happy Holidays!
Q1 2027
- EDA focused Land Development Code Update (LDC won’t be finalized until Summer 2027)
- Potential HRA merger and logistics
- Housing project proposal exploration in partnership with Three Rivers
- CVB contract discussion if asked by City Council
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
N/A
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timelines:
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