Street projects in Northfield will complicate travel next year in the downtown area says City Engineer David Bennett, “it’s going to be noticeable”. Division Street between 6th and 8th streets and 7th street near Econofoods will be a full reconstruction including utilities. At the front end of the project, they want community engagement. The City is holding a community meeting Wednesday, August 9th at City hall in
Council Chambers from 6pm to 7:30pm. Bennett said they really want people from the community to voice their opinions on what they want the project to look like. Not just to improve the roadway but there will be some “streetscaping”. Including improved walkability. Washington St. from Woodley all the way to 2nd street past the Library will be an overlay project. They plan on enhancements there as well which may include a permanent bump out at 5th street. So far there are mixed reviews on those! If you can’t attend the meeting on the 9th, they’ve provided an online survey at ci.northfield.mn.us. He added that, for this year, the East Cannon River Trail is on track to be complete by October.
Cop and Community interaction a plus for residents and Officers
Tuesday night was a record setter for Northfield’s Night to Unite. With 43 registered parties, Fire, Police, EMS and city officials were very busy. Chief Monte Nelson said that it’s a great opportunity for City Staff to go out and meet people and he “truly enjoys it”. He commented on the impact of police meeting the community in a setting like Night to Unite, “people wanted to know their names, to hear a little bit about them. It’s why I want Officers on foot patrol downtown because when you meet people face to face outside the squad car, not on a call, it’s advantageous for both parties, for the citizens and for the Officer”. As public attitudes toward police have altered, he gave officers talking points, “first and foremost to thank everyone for the support we get here because, on a local level, meaning the Rice County area, we are really lucky. We have a lot of support locally in Faribault, Rice County and, specifically, Northfield”. Questions from the community were varied by the makeup of the neighborhoods with some more concerned about busy intersections, others about immigration enforcement, mental health issues and the training they receive. Two years ago, as a reporter, I was able to witness the training they receive in Rice County and I gained a whole new respect for what they may face. Officers are also trained in de-escalation tactics. Rice County, Faribault, Dundas, Northfield and Lonsdale will, once again, be involved in reality based training throughout this month.
Fare For All at St. Dom’s this afternoon
Fare For All is back this afternoon at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church at 104 Linden St. N. from 3:30 to 5pm. Fare For All offers very affordable food buys for everyone. There’s no income limit, no form to fill out, you don’t need to be affiliated with St. Dominic’s. Fare For All says the more people who shop, the better, because the more you buy, the more they can buy at affordable prices. Cash is the preferred payment but they do accept credit cards.
