by Rich Larson
The proposed Kraewood development took several steps forward last night, as the Northfield Planning Commission voted to 
approve the re-zoning of two small parcels of land within the development and approved the final plat of the development as well, under certain conditions. The commission also approved a memo developed by a commission sub-committee that made more specific recommendations to the City Council for their consideration before the council gives the final approval of the Tax Increment Financing that is under consideration for the project.
Local developers Rebound Partners and Schmidt Homes, along with the Stencil Group are proposing to build 22 single and multi-family homes along with a 100-unit apartment complex on the former Paulson Tree Farm property. The project has been met with fierce criticism by residents of the area, and that opposition was apparent once again at the well-attended meeting last night.
During the public hearing regarding the rezoning of the two parcels of land, more than twenty people addressed the commission. Most spoke against the development, citing issues like traffic safety, environmental concerns, and a lack of transparency in the zoning process. Among those who spoke in favor of the project was one of the owners of the property, Rieber Paulson, who stressed that the sale of the property was a necessary thing for the good of his family.
The zoning request passed by a 5-1 vote.
The approval of the final plat was also approved by a 5-1 vote, under conditions recommended by both the commission and city staff. Those conditions stipulate the width of the streets, sidewalks and right-of-way within the development, and charges the developers to build a sidewalk on the south side of Lincoln Parkway.
Finally, during the discussion of the advisory memo, City Administrator Ben Martig submitted that many of the memo’s findings overstepped the commission’s authority. After some debate about the role of the commission as an advisory board to the City Council, the memo was adopted by a vote of 4-2.
The city council is expected to take up discussion of the development next month.
The supplementary memo sent to the City Council can be seen here.
‘Travis’ Law’ poses problems for Northfield, Rice County law enforcement
On August 1st, a new Minnesota law went into effect that stipulates 911 dispatchers should refer calls for people in mental health crisis to a mental health response team, and not to the police.
Northfield Police Chief Mark Elliott has expressed some frustration with the new law. He agrees with the idea that in instances where the general public safety is not at risk, trained mental health professionals would be more appropriate people to handle a mental health situation. But the law does not provide the necessary funds needed for an area like Rice County to maintain a crisis response team.
“Overall, it’s a good idea. I think everybody thinks it’s a good idea that if folks are suffering from mental health crisis and there aren’t any threats to other people, then a mental health professional should help those people. That’s what they need. The problem that we see, especially in rural Minnesota is, we don’t have the resources.”
He said there were two late changes to the law that makes the situation very difficult for many areas outside of the Twin Cities. Originally the legislation, which has been named Travis’ Law, said a 911 dispatcher “may refer calls involving mental health crises to mental health crisis teams where available.” However, the language was changed to say the dispatcher “Shall” refer those calls “when appropriate.”
He said Rice County has a partnership with Horizon Homes, an organization based in Mankato, that operates a mobile mental health response team. However, Horizon covers ten counties in Southern Minnesota, so their response times are sometimes measured in hours. Dakota County, he said, does have a 24-hour response team, but there are staffing challenges in play, as well.
Elliott said he and other Rice County law enforcement officials have been in touch with local legislators, because as it stands right now, the legislation amounts to an unfunded mandate. He is hopeful that the necessary dollars will be made available in the future to create and maintain a proper response unit.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott can be heard here
Elizabeth Child to return to area United Way
The Rice County Area United Way announced this week that Elizabeth Child has been named the new Executive Director of the 
organization.
Child is no stranger to the United Way, having served as the Executive Director of the Northfield Area United Way from 2014-2017. She has a strong background in strategic communications as the former vice-president of public relations for U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray and before that worked in marketing for the University of St. Thomas. Additionally, Child is a past president of both the boards of Northfield Arts Guild and Women in Northfield Giving Support (or WINGS).
In a statement, Child said the role of the United Way in the communities of Rice County is more vital than ever.
“Our United Way has become critical in achieving a vision of community in which every person is equitably supported and thriving. While that is a big challenge, I feel fortunate to work with nonprofits that are regional and national role models along with volunteers and contributors who understand that we are all stronger when everyone is stronger.”
In the same statement, the President of the Rice County Area United Way Board, Greg Closser, said the organization feels very fortunate to have a person with Child’s unique skill set taking charge of the day-to-day operations.
Child replaces Penny Hillemann, who had served as director of the organization since 2017, and recently left to become the assistant program director with Laura Baker Services Association.
