Through a grant and city funding, the Northfield Heritage Preservation Commission hired Landscape Research to survey the downtown Historic District and determine changes. A Public Hearing was held this week and the Council got an earful from some businesses that do NOT want their properties in the district. Jonathon Reppe, owner of The Armory, said it’s really all the regulation without any of the benefits. Due to years of changes to the building, it’s unlikely it could get on the National Register, which is where the real tax benefits are. Liz Reppe spoke of issues with HPC questioning whether building owners
could appeal and added that they’re concerned over any delays and/or additional costs they would incur. HPC Chair, Jason Menard said they have been transparent and have reached out to the owners and to the general public. He said they’re “not here to make things harder” but to guide owners. He offered to meet with owners one on one. Imminent Brewery owners, who are transforming the garage of the Armory, also spoke. Laura and Derek Meyers said neither they or the Reppes have heard from any members of the HPC. Their concerns include clarification regarding solar panels. Randy Malecha, who’s owned Willie’s Shoe Service for 30 years said he has “no reason to want it”. Council then chose to move it to a work session and asked staff to gather more information on the issues brought up including solar panels and what benefit there really is for building owners.
Dundas begins planning process on City Hall
The City of Dundas is starting the planning process of building a new City Hall. Administrator John McCarthy remarked that they’re looking at creating a comprehensive development of the “old school block”. The idea is that City Hall could help anchor the business district and bring in some new opportunities. The City Hall would only need about a fourth of the space. They’re working on ideas and have completed a detailed survey of the property. They’re working with the county on their road reconstruction to assure utilities will be adequate for growth. They hope to have a plan by Fall. Right now it’s tough to get around downtown as the roads are ripped up for reconstruction.
PFD’s save family
A weekend ago, some folks got a reminder about why it’s important to wear personal flotation devices. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn said a family was kayaking the Cannon when one of the young kids got caught up in a log and tipped. Luckily she had her PFD on. Dunn said when the family went to her, they also tipped. That meant lots of people in the water and the kayaks floating down river on their own. The good news is they all had on flotation devices. With the hot weather coming, there will be a lot of people out on the water.
