Planning Commission Meeting Date: March 20, 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.
- Review of and the public hearing on the consideration of Central Park becoming a local heritage preservation site will be on the City Council agenda for April 1, 2025.
- The Archer House site plan application is still 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 plans to close on 115 5th Street. W. (Northfield News building) by the end of March 2025 and begin applying for planning and building permits shortly thereafter and hope to open this year. The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) will review the project to provide feedback at their April 2, 2025, meeting because the property is adjacent to the historic district.
- Staff have 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 is on pause for review on budget and timing. The HPC has asked for different lighting and seating options to review. The city and consultants are bringing forward alternative options at the HPC meeting on April 2, 2025.
- Staff received one letter of intent from a development team for the 5th and Washington redevelopment project. The team proposed a condo project. Staff and the team will be doing 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 are researching non-profit groups to potentially work with who specialize in dam reconstruction and help find financial assistance as well. 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