It’s taken years of planning, months of negotiations and about 5 minutes to get the go ahead from the Northfield City Council. Last night, in a unanimous vote, Council approved a development agreement with Yanik and Associates to build a 95 unit Senior Housing facility across from the Northfield Hospital. The facility will accomodate independent living, assisted living and memory care units. The 21 page agreement, in it’s 14th version, includes some changes such as SAC and WAC fees. Administrator Martig said, “the agreement itself is pretty technical in nature and deals with things like
fees that we would charge for sewer and water, park dedication fees, access on how we’re going to deal with the access road in a separate agreement with the Hospital”. As for traffic, the first building will generate approximately 220 new vehicle trips per day on North Ave. This will double at some time in the future should phase II be constructed. Even with these additional vehicle trips, the project will not produce enough additional traffic that the City needs to consider other roadway improvements with this project. They added additional design standards as well. Community Development Director, Chris Heineman, said they have a commitment from Chester Yanik who is prepared to sign the agreement as written. Adding that the next steps are a standard site plan review and a building permit process. It could still be a bumpy road as Mayor Pownell and some council members have pushed back on aspects of the project while City Staff have worked dilligently to come up with solutions that work for both sides. The projected tax revenue for the City is well over $300,000 a year. The service provider will be Benedictine Health System. Construction is planned to begin in June. 1 – Yanik Senior Housing Development Agreement 2 – Transporation Plan 2030
Faribault man gets 15 years for rape
In late December, 27 year old Abdiaziz Ali Adan of Faribault, was convicted of Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. Yesterday he was sentenced to the maximum allowed. He raped a woman who had come to his house. According to her son, who was waiting for her outside in the car, she ran out of the house naked. Adan fled the scene and was not found until five weeks later. He has a number of prior convictions and because of his significant criminal history he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Rice Co Attorney John Fossum said, “Adan is a dangerous offender, the community will be safer with him in prison,” adding, “The diligence and follow through by Faribault police was key to securing a conviction. Adan has already served 410 days. He’ll be eligible for conditional release after 10 years. The incident took place in December of 2016.
Montgomery man convicted of 3rd DUI wanted in Wisconsin for failure to pay child support
A Montgomery man was found guilty in Rice County court, yesterday, of fleeing an officer and 2nd degree DUI. In early January, 49 year old Christopher Todd Johnson, was clocked by a Rice County deputy traveling 123 mph on Dundas Blvd. Johnson eventually wound up in a ditch filled with about 2 feet of water just north of 130th street. He has 2 previous DUI’s and a revoked drivers license. His sentencing is scheduled for March 27th. Johnson also has a bench warrant out for his arrest for not paying child support in Wisconsin. The felony warrant was issued in 2016. Wisconsin is demanding his return to the State. Another charge filed today in Rice County is Fugitive from Justice from Other State – a felony.
