EDA Meeting Date: June 29, 2026
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Emery John, Program Associate
Title
Staff Updates
Body
Action Requested:
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Summary Report:
- Staff are reviewing the first draft of the new Land Development Code.
- The State Legislature did not approve any Local Sales Tax options statewide, including Northfield’s.
- Project Updates:
1. Harvest Hills, a private development project located adjacent to the middle school, is proposing 71 units of housing. City Council approved the preliminary plat and the establishment of a TIF district, ensuring some affordability and sustainability. Council still needs to approve the Final Plat and the TIF agreement, likely in July with potential construction beginning in late 2026.
2. The Archer Site on Division Street has received a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) with a few conditions from the HPC during the June 3rd meeting. See attachment for link. The project also received Planning Commission approval for a conditional use permit (CUP) related to parking and a Zoning Board of Appeals approval for a building height variance during the June 18th meeting(s). City Council will be reviewing the final development and TIF agreements in either July or August. The developer hopes to break ground by the end of 2026.
- Staff is attending the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions conference (NAPC) - hosted this year in the Twin Cities -- in July. This is an exciting opportunity to attend a national conference with local significance. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Emery or Mathias Hughey, Interim City Planner.
- The Community Development Department has welcomed two summer interns from St Olaf - Kiara Fonseka and Eli Schaufenbuel. They began June 1 and are doing great work!
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
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Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timelines:
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