By Rich Larson, News Director
Tuesday night at the City Council meeting, MetroNet, the company that purchased Jaguar Communications last year, began the process of formally
applying for a cable franchise in the City of Northfield.
While the city will be more than happy to provide Northfield residents with another choice for a cable provider, it is the internet service that seems to have piqued their collective interest. MetroNet offers FTTP, or fiber to the premises, meaning, theoretically, all of Northfield’s residential areas would have access to high-speed internet.
Tuesday night was the first step in approving the franchise. Before the city can negotiate terms with MetroNet, the council first had to evaluate the company’s qualifications and pass a resolution saying that MetroNet is indeed capable of running a cable franchise.
A presentation was made by attorney Brian T. Grogan from the Law Firm of Moss & Barnett, with whom the city has contracted to evaluate MetroNet and guide the city through the process. Grogan said that MetroNet is a fully competent provider of cable and broadband services, with operating franchises in more than 100 communities in 8 states across the country.
Northfield is in need of more broadband service. Charter Communications is the only cable franchise currently authorized to operate in Northfield, and they have not made broadband available in all parts of the city. MetroNet says it will be aggressive in bringing high speed fiber to residential areas, and that their immediate plan covers 85% of the Northfield area.
Mayor Rhonda Pownell said bringing broadband service to the entire city is a top priority.
“Expanding broadband out to all of our residential areas is really a priority of the city council. I think we have that more so to our business community, but not necessarily in our residential areas. And so I’m really excited to see this come to fruition.”
The resolution passed unanimously. The Council will review the terms of the contract at the next meeting on June 15. It will require two public readings before it is approved.
City offering assistance for home ownership
The Northfield Housing & Redevelopment Authority is offering several programs designed to help people in various stages of home ownership who need assistance in buying a home, fixing their home, or adjusting their home as they grow older.
Northfield Housing Coordinator Melissa Hanson said the HRA has money available through HUD’s Community Development Block Grants and through their own levy dollars, to make it easier for people to buy a house in Northfield, and once there, to stay there.
She said the city has long had a Down Payment Assistance Program funded through HUD. With the sharp rise in the price of buying a home, she said that program has seen a number of applicants this year. Right now, there are limited dollars available for down payment assistance, though the city is looking at expanding the program.
There are two separate programs designed to help homeowners with repairs or updates. One for manufactured housing and one for single family homes. In both cases up to $20,000 is available at a low interest rate and deferred payments. Owners of manufactured housing can use the money to repair doors, windows, the sub-floor or whatever is necessary. Single family home owners are able to use money for a new roof, structural repairs, or anything that will make the home more energy efficient.
She said the city has put a pilot program together as well, to offer help for those getting older to stay in their home. The Aging in Place program offers grants of up to $7000 to make changes in the home for easier living. Hanson said she has yet to receive an application for this program but is still trying to get the word out.
She said these loans are designed to not create more debt, but instead to help families buy a home and stay there.
“We want stable communities. We want our families to stay and grow in Northfield. So the incentive is, if you stay in your house, you don’t have to pay that money back until your loan is done or until you move.”
Applications for all of these programs can be found on the Housing and Redevelopment section of the Northfield City website, or by clicking here.
Home Town Credit Union celebrates new Northfield branch
And Home Town Credit Union will celebrate the Grand Opening of their new Northfield office today from Noon to 5 pm.
While the branch has been open for a few weeks, today Home Town celebrates their official brick-and-mortar arrival in Northfield. KYMN will be broadcasting live from the new branch beginning at 9:00 this morning, and the Chamber of Commerce will hold an official ribbon cutting at 10.
The public festivities begin at noon. Kurt Halverson, the credit union’s Community Education Coordinator, said there will be a number of activities going on throughout the afternoon. Tours of the new branch will be available, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about all the various programs Home Town Credit Union provides. There will be bubbles, coloring activities and sand art for the kids. And Prairie’s Edge Humane Society will be on hand with three dogs that are up for adoption. Halverson said they want to use the event to bring awareness to Prairie’s Edge and will match donations up to $1000 for their re-homing, animal adoption program.
“Also,” he said,” we’re just really proud to show off our new office, and its light and airy feel.”
Northfield Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Peterson said the Chamber is thrilled to see Home Town open this new branch.
“From the moment they started doing business in Northfield, Home Town Credit Union has been an enthusiastic supporter of the community. Their community education programs are going to be a great resource in this town.”
The event will also offer complimentary cheese curds, corn dogs and pizza from George’s Vineyard. The new Home Town Credit Union branch is located at 2000 Honey Locust Drive in Northfield.
