August 17th, 2005

NORTHFIELD — With developers aiming to start construction this fall, the people involved with the Riverfront Redevelopment project appeared Monday before the Northfield City Council to secure approval of a preliminary plat and a planned unit development conceptual development plan.

John Mathern of Mendota Homes has dubbed the project “The Crossing of Northfield” and told council members that this has been “a delightful project to work on.”

The Crossing will lie east of Highway 3 along the Cannon River and will be bordered by St. Olaf Avenue and West Second Street.

Members of team that Mendota Homes has assembled to oversee design and construction of the project gave an update Monday to city council members.

Among the details in their proposed project are rain gardens to help out with drainage issues into the Cannon River; an eight-foot bituminous path that will provide open, park space to the public and preliminary plans for parking on the site.

The city council did hear feedback from one community member who spoke out against the project.

Peter Hammer of Northfield argued that the letter and spirit of the law was against the project and said that the city should follow a competitive bid process.

In addition, “there is no rush to develop this site because it’s been blighted for 20 years,” Hammer said.

The Northfield Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the preliminary plat and PUD to the city council.

The council took their recommendation and unanimously voted in support of the project.

With approval of the preliminary plan for the project, Mendota Homes and the city are working on financing arrangements.

A public hearing will be held Oct. 3, to gather input on the establishment of a tax increment financing district for the Riverfront project.

– Michelle Kubitz

Reprinted with permission from the Northfield News.