DATE: July 11, 2019
TO: Members of the Northfield Heritage Preservation Commission
FROM: Scott Tempel, City Planner
Title
Commissioner Board Tracking Reports
Body
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
The HPC is provided with information regarding other City Boards and Commissions.
BACKGROUND:
The HPC voted to have its members track the activities of certain other City of Northfield Boards and Commissions. Attached is a report the Housing and Development Authority and the Park & Recreation Advisory Board from Barbara Evans.
A report from Jan Gilblom on the Economic Development Authority follows:
Economic Development Authority - June 27 Meeting
Relating to Historic District - Involving the HPC
Staff proposed the addition of a Downtown Improvement line item to the 2020 EDA Budget. Proposed by Mitzi Baker, this 3-yr ($20K/year) project would be developed in collaboration with the NDDC and MN Main Street Program. Two ideas were presented:
o Fa?ade improvement for downtown businesses in the form of a 1:1 match up to a certain level (~$7K to 10K allowing two or three projects each year). Better aesthetics would help maintain the character of the Historic District and lead to higher foot traffic and greater economic benefits. The HPC's Preservation Design Guidelines could be used to help business owners develop project ideas.
o The introduction of parklets, i.e., small seating areas or green spaces created as public amenities on or alongside a sidewalk, especially in roadside parking spaces.
The EDA commented that the downtown is not ADA friendly and accessibility should be considered along with facade improvement. The EDA asked if MN Main Street or the HPC had design consultants that could work with business owners to develop fa?ade improvement ideas.
Relating to Historic District - No HPC authority
Rebound Real Estate and the Stencil Group presented plans for the 5th Street Lofts, a 79-unit building to be constructed at the SW corner of 5th and Wa...
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