November 10th, 2004

NORTHFIELD — The Northfield City Council gave its preliminary approval Monday to a series of “redevelopment expectations” for the Riverfront Redevelopment site.

The proposed site is located on Highway 3, just north of downtown.

Hoping to maximize on the scenic location and draw more people into the city’s downtown, the council voted unanimously to seek additional comment from the city’s Design Advisory Board (DAB).

After receiving comments from the DAB, the council will go to the city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA), which will obtain additional input from Northfield residents.

Monday’s presentation by John Shardlow, consultant planner with Dahlgren, Shardlow and Uban, prompted several questions and comments from council members.

Among the ideas voiced by council members was a commitment to public use of the riverfront and a hope the redevelopment would serve as a gateway to the community and a magnet for the downtown area.

“What’s the purpose of this site? It’s an anchor for the downtown,” said Councilor Jim Pokorney, who hopes the project will “generate a critical mass of people who will utilize the downtown area.”

One idea Pokorney wants pitched to potential developers is to have a hotel/conference center in the redevelopment.

Councilor Dana Graham said the redevelopment is not only a site to draw people to downtown, but meant to be a “gateway” to the city.

“It’s a gateway from the north into our downtown and into our city,” he said. “… (I)t’s more than just bringing people down Division Street.”

At-large councilor Dixon Bond said another critical issue was to “build housing around downtown.” Not only will it bring business to the downtown, but “keep us from sprawling,” he said.

Although a timeframe hasn’t been established, Northfield Community Development Director Brian O’Connell said he hoped the preliminary expectations would be brought to the DAB and back to the council by December.

No dates have been set for the EDA to solicit ideas from the community.

Goals for site development

Some of the goals the city has identified through working with Dahlgren, Shardlow and Uban — a consulting and planning firm from Minneapolis — include:

* Mixing the area with residential and limited commercial buildings.

* Reinforcing the architectural elements from Northfield’s downtown into the development and also working to extend design elements from the downtown to the development.

* Achieving a balance between the realities of having Highway 3 running along the area, but making the development pedestrian friendly.

* Exploring public parking opportunities.

* And promoting redevelopment projects that maximize orientation to the Cannon River — including public pedestrian access, trails and recreational opportunities.

– Michelle Kubitz

Reprinted with permission from the Northfield News.