While the Northfield Downtown Redevelopment projects grab all the headlines, the City of Northfield is quietly preparing another area for development that itself could have a far-ranging impact on Northfield’s long term economic health.
For several years now, the growth of Northfield’s commercial industrial sector has been one of the city’s stated goals, and, in fact, was worked into the most recent strategic plan. To that end, the Northfield City Council authorized an order for an Alternative Urban Area-Wide Review, or an AUAR, in January for the Northwest Development section of the city. The section is approximately 800 acres in the city’s Northwest corner that has been earmarked for commercial industrial development. In partnership with Xcel Energy, the AUAR will bring the city a step closer to attracting commercial industrial companies who, it is hoped, will decide to build and do business in Northfield.
An AUAR is an examination of an area that is done prior to development, assessing the environmental impact of different development scenarios. It is not tied to one specific project, but rather done to remove a step in the development process.
The report takes the place of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet and an Environmental Impact Study. Doing proactive work like this saves time for both the city and a potential developer
Last year, Xcel Energy approached the city with an offer to pay for the project, which would normally cost between $100,000 and $250,000.
The process began in April, moving through city boards and commissions, and this week, the city announced an opportunity for public comment.
The study offers two different scenarios upon which it would like public feedback. One is for a potential single user who would build a massive data farm on the site. The project would allow for potential additional business park elements as well.
The other is for a more traditional, multi-user business park.
Public comments are being sought to gauge the public interest and appetite for a new development. City Administrator Ben Martig, Mayor Pownell, and several members of the City Council have all pushed for more commercial industrial growth in the city in order to head off increases in private property taxes. It has been labeled as a key goal and a necessary addition to the city’s business community.
To view the AUAR and the possibilities, visit the Northfield website and click on City Services.
Community turns out to honor first responders
On Wednesday night, scores of Northfield community residents turned out for the Picnic in the Park, and celebration of the Northfield Area first responders hosted in Spring Creek Park by Hosanna Church
The event brought first responders together with the community in order to honor them and to give community members a chance to get to know them on a personal level and better understand the very important work they do.
Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott said the larger Hosanna Church has sponsored events like this across the State of Minnesota, including a previous event two years ago in Northfield. He called the family-oriented event a great success, with activities designed for kids, and raffles that gave away some surprising prizes, including an outdoor kitchen set and a bicycle.
Another crowd-pleasing facet of the event was the emergency equipment that was on display. The various departments brought several vehicles, including the Northfield Police Department’s electric squad car. An ambulance was on hand, which gave many of the kids an opportunity to see what it was like to lie on a gurney., The Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service had a pair of fire trucks on display as well. They were joined by members of the County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the State Patrol. Elliott said he had been hopeful that helicopters from both the State Patrol and the Air Ambulance service would be on hand as well, however the windy weather kept both helicopters at home.
One surprise of the night was the appearance of Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety Bob Jacobson. Chief Elliott said he’s known the commissioner for many years, as Jacobson is the retired Chief of Police from New Brighton, and he came to Northfield at the Chief’s invitation.
“It was really a good opportunity. Bob and I stay in touch and, through some discussions and just a conversation, I said, ‘Why don’t you come down to our community celebration.’ I think it was good. I think it was good for him to to see that, and he certainly enjoyed it. He brought his wife with, and they both commented that they had a great time in our community.”
All who attended seemed to have an excellent time, Elliott said, and he is hopeful that this could become an annual event.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott can be heard here
Today at the Fair
And the Rice County Fair is open for its third day today. Among the highlights on the schedule are the annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, which will be held in the Beer Garden beginning at 1:30, as well as some excellent music.
The very popular Devon Worley Band will appear in the Beer Garden at 8:00 tonight, while Sherwin Linten will perform on the Sellner Stage this evening from 7-10pm. And for what has now become a Friday night tradition, the Barnes PRCA Rodeo will be at the Grandstand tonight at 7pm. Adult tickets are $15, kids 6-11 are $5. Kids 5 and under are free. The rodeo is also offering a family rate of $40, which would include 2 adults and up to 4 children.
For more information on the fair and all of its goings on, visit ricecountyfair.net
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
