It’s a go! The last hurdle jumped for The Crossings project
Construction on an 80 room Marriott hotel should begin this year! That’s the plan after the Northfield council voted to approve a development agreement with Developer Brett Reese over The Crossings hotel at Hwy 3 and 2nd street. Community Development Director Chris Heineman told Council that the project price has increased to $13.2 million, up about $400,000 due to engineering costs and the underground parking. In terms of financing, Heineman breaks it down. It includes $3 million of investor funding (that includes a number of entities), $8.4 million in a private bank loan and $1.755 million of public funding.
The public funding dollars also include a couple of outlets the City is selling to the developer for a dollar. Mayor Graham commented, “that’s the easy part in my opinion because those lots by themselves are not develop able”. He said they have to be part of a bigger project. Reese noted yesterday morning they were challenge areas but with the Lot 4 they’re purchasing he hopes they can put together complimentary business. The hotel is the main focus right now. Ten people spoke at the open mic, most were in favor of the project but some questioned the details of the financing. Heineman acknowledged how complicated the financing is and all the players involved. Reese said it will take 4 months to work with Marriott finalizing architectural drawings and they hope to begin construction in September. Once construction is underway, they’ll focus on those outlots, seeking input on their best use. A caveat to the planning commissions approval was to assure a public easement for access to the Cannon River. Councilor Ludescher was against the public funding saying our City Charter doesn’t allow it. He added that, if approved, “I will exercise my statutory authority and I’ll see if I can find other people to file the proper complaint with the City of Northfield and ask the City to respond to the complaint”. The vote was 6 to 1 with Ludescher voting no. They then voted unanimously to approve tax increment financing. I have links to this information and more on kymn.net. Mayor Graham’s interview is also online. Council meeting 5-17-16 click on the video and you’ll also get the other information.
7 – Legal Opinions Crossing Project
Basement fire loads house with smoke and smell – KYMN’s Kevin Kenly has the story
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Northfield filings
Five Northfielders have filed for Mayoral and Councilor seats opening up this year. Two former council members included. Greg Colby for Councilor at large, currently held by David Ludescher who said he would not announce until May 31st. Jon Denison filed for ward 3 and Erica Zweifel will seek re-election to her Ward 3 seat. Mayor Graham will seek re-election. Ward 2 Councilor David DeLong’s seat is up this year. He has not yet commented on whether he will run. Keep it on KYMN for further updates. Filing closes at 5pm on May 31st.
5-18-16 NEWS podcast:
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