By Teri Knight, News Director
The Hillcrest Motel site in Northfield has been eyed for affordable housing for some time. There were 7 units but they fell into disrepair and the land was foreclosed on. In 2018 the Community Action Center got involved and acquired it. Executive Director Scott Wopata said they have a team of people who have been working with the City and Planning Commission on codes and design, “so this current plan is really based in a lot of community volunteer time to dream this up, to navigate all the challenges but also to, the plan sits on the idea that CAC, our role is really to provide supportive housing and to build community”. Sheldahl donated a sliver of land to make the project happen, “and it’s helped a tremendous amount to join these two parcels of land. We’re really looking forward to how that, to be honest, makes all of this work and all of this go forward. And it’s great to have local buy-in and support from our local employers and business community as well”. There will be six buildings that include duplexes, triplexes and fourplex which incorporates 17 housing units. Two of the eight lots will be
flexible for the future. The importance of community is high on the list and Wopata said that’s what this project will offer. Their plan is to have 2 or 3 units always be available for emergency shelter. Wopata continued, “about half of them would just be normal affordable rate rental units and then the remainder, we’re hoping to sew in to some housing programs, whether that’s a transitional program to help people go from entry into housing into their own independence or whether that’s supportive housing, supporting a family who maybe needs more intensive case management. And that’s something CAC has a lot of experience in”. The plan includes minimizing their energy footprint as well. CAC will own and be responsible for the project, Wopata said they can finance half of it through traditional financing, in the long run, they’ll look to the income generated by the normal rental units to offset costs. They’ll need to fundraise about $2.5 million. They’ve already raised $800,000. They’re looking at Spring 2022 to break ground. There is a tremendous amount of community support. His full interview is HERE. 1 – CAC Site Plan Cover Memo 2 – CAC Affordable Housing Site Plan 06-11-2020
Carleton to open at 85% capacity – health and safety a priority
Drawing on the advice of health experts, Carleton College has announced their plan to open at 85% capacity this Fall. Options will be open for those students and faculty that feel it’s best they are not on campus. COVID-19 testing will be administered for everyone who returns and new community standards will require all students, faculty, and staff to monitor their health daily, wear face coverings when in common spaces, and abide by new restrictions regarding gatherings and visitors. Carleton has laid out their plans and protocols for staff, faculty and students to ensure their health and safety. More detailed information: Returning to Carleton_ Our Plan for Fall 2020
Franchise fees, $ from Covid relief, EOP on council agenda
The Northfield City Council will hold a work session tomorrow. Items for discussion include a possible Franchise fee for gas and electric. This could take the place of street assessments. For those who have current assessments, the council said those residents would NOT pay the fee until they’ve paid their assessments fully. The City is eligible for $1,538,900 in Federal CRF Funds for Coronavirus Relief funding through the CARES Act. Council will discuss options as there are a number of caveats to what that money can be used for. Council will receive a presentation on the Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) from Emergency Management. Meetings begin at 6pm and are streamed live on the City’s website. They are meeting remotely via GoToMeeting.
