May 14th, 2005

Over a year ago, the Northfield City Council set the Riverfront Redevelopment site as one of the council’s priorities. Many steps have occurred since that time and there are many steps that need to be concluded before the site becomes a definite reality.

* May 10, 2004 — Northfield City Council identifies the Riverfront Redevelopment site as a priority. May is also when John Mathern, developer from Mendota Homes, took a look at the Kump Lumber site for potential redevelopment.

* Nov. 8, 2004 — After a series of meetings to discuss the preliminary goals and objectives of the Riverfront site, the council approves a list of these goals and objectives.

* Nov. 29, Dec. 8 and Dec. 9, 2004 — The EDA hosts meetings to gather public input on the goals and objectives of the site. These goals were adopted on Dec. 20.

* Feb. 15, 2005 — The city council approves a pre-development agreement with Mendota Homes.

Construction on the condominiums of the site could begin in September, Mathern said Tuesday.

There are some limitations that construction crews are faced in working on the site due to the reconstruction of Highway 3.

It could be 2007 before construction begins on some of the retail areas, he said. Despite this time line, there are more steps that Mendota Homes will have to go through before they reach a final development agreement with the city.

* May 31, 2005 — Mendota Homes must submit a site plan, building elevations, market feasibility, project financial feasibility and schedule to Northfield city staff. City staff will review these documents in June.

* July 2005 — The Northfield Planning Commission will review and make a recommendation on a preliminary use development designation on the conceptual development plans. The city council will then act on the commission’s recommendations.

* August 2005 — The planning commission will review and act on a final development plan, rezoning and any other platting requirements. The city council will vote on its recommendations. Also, the city council may vote on a final development contract with Mendota Homes for the redevelopment project.

Reprinted with permission from the Northfield News.