City Council Meeting Date: November 26, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Melissa Hanson, Housing Coordinator
Title
Consider Resolution for Release and Termination of Declaration of Restrictions for City of Northfield property.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council consider a motion to approve Resolution for Release and Termination of Declarations of Restrictions.
Summary Report:
During development and redevelopment of the City Hospital and Way Park, the City of Northfield has owned residential properties throughout the years. As the properties were sold, preference was given to existing tenant renters. If the tenants were unable to purchase the property, the properties were sold on the open market. In 2004, neighbors voiced concern that new owners, potentially investors, could tear down the older-rentals and build structures that were out of character with the existing neighborhood. To address neighborhood concerns, in 2006 the Hospital/City Council placed formalized Deed Restrictions, or Restrictive Covenants, on the properties prior to selling the houses.
Terms and conditions expressly stated in the Declaration of Restrictions:
* Owner-Occupancy Required
* Design Standards
* Duration of Declaration
Currently, the only known properties subject to the Declaration of Restrictions is the City of Northfield owned property at 706/716 2nd Street West currently used by Northfield Hospital & Clinics, adjacent to Way Park, as the property has been used exclusively for storage by the Hospital. The other properties that were party to the Declaration of Restrictions have fulfilled the terms and conditions.
The HRA seeks the removal of the Declaration of Restrictions as it pertains to these remaining properties in conjunction with the purchase of property. Staff has determined that the Design Standards described in the Declaration restricts building types and materials allowed in the R-2 zoning district. F...
Click here for full text