PC Meeting Date: May 29, 2024
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
Nate Carlson, Economic Development Coordinator
Title
Presentation by Visible City - Commercial/Industrial Assessment of Northfield
Body
Action Requested:
The Economic Development Authority and Planning Commission will receive a presentation by Visible City regarding an assessment of Northfield’s commercial and industrial development. No action is prepared at this time.
Summary Report:
City staff have asked Visible City to present work to date on a Commercial and Industrial Assessment underway since February. The goal of the presentation is to stimulate discussion by members of the Planning Commission and EDA about the comprehensive plan and relevant chapters in development (particularly Land Use and Growth, Transportation, Housing, Economic Development, and Climate). The discussion will assist City staff and Visible City in the final steps of the Commercial and Industrial Assessment, including development of recommendations.
The City retained Visible City in February to examine Northfield’s commercial and industrial land use and tax base, to inform both the comprehensive plan process and City policy direction in the immediate term, including regarding the Northwest Area. Elements of Visible City’s scope are:
• Measurement of recent infill development
• Commercial/industrial economic base assessment
• Scenario development for the Northwest Area
• Recommendations for commercial/industrial development
A cover memo from Visible City along with the approved project proposal, fee schedule, and adopted timeline are attached.
Alternative Options:
Not applicable.
Financial Impacts:
Visible City’s total cost to conduct the analysis and provide recommendations is $45,925. The cost is jointly shared by the Community Development Department’s overall budget (from the General Fund), and the EDA and HRA budgets.
Tentative Timelines:
Thursday, February 15, 2024 Contract executed
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Project kickoff meeting
Thursday, March 21, 2024 VC shares progress & available content
Thursday, April 25, 2024 VC shares progress & draft deliverables
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 VC presents progress to date to EDA and Planning Commission
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 VC shares final draft deliverables
Friday, June 14, 2024 Final products delivered