City Council Meeting Date: December 1, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Mitzi A Baker, Community Development Director
Title
Resolution to approve the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council is requested to consider a Resolution to approve the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan.
Summary Report:
The Riverfront Enhancement Advisory Committee (REAC) considered a draft Action Plan in September 2020. Following a public comment period, the draft Action Plan documents were refined to reflect feedback from the Committee and public. REAC met on November 12, 2020 to consider the refined documents and made a unanimous recommendation to forward the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan to the City Council for approval. The City Council received a presentation on the Plan on November 17, 2020.
Background:
The City Council adopted resolution 2018-115 in November 2018 to create the Riverfront Enhancement Advisory Committee to further the City's strategic priorities, including:
* "riverfront enhancement";
* "enhanced tourism"; and
* "expanded downtown"
All of which contribute to "Economic Development: A Community That's Economically Thriving".
The Council adopted the resolution establishing an expectation that the Committees work would include preparation of a Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan that includes the following:
* Prioritization to align with the strategic plan; and
* Concept plans for strategic park improvements; and
* Identified short term and long term projects and funding sources; and
* Preservation and conservation of the riverfront; and
* Identification of stormwater management project priorities; and
* Strategies for increased active use of the riverfront; and
* Opportunities for business expansion on the corridor.
Over the last 18+ months, the REAC had the benefit of significant support from the National Park Service through a Technical Assistance Grant. Among many things, the...
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