By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Next week the City of Northfield will host two information events about different projects happening in the city government.
The city will host an open house about the Water Treatment Plant on Tuesday. At the open house, city staff, the Minnesota Department of Health, and engineers from Bolton and Menk will give a presentation about the project. Residents will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the project.
The city began exploring the construction of a water treatment plant after water samples in 2019 and 2020, showed elevated levels of manganese in the drinking water, which prompted an overall water study in 2022. The study showed Northfield had more manganese in the water for infants and pregnant mothers than the Minnesota Health Department recommends.
“Everyone deserves safe, clean, reliable drinking water. This plant will provide that for everyone in Northfield and protect our most vulnerable,” Justin Wagner, the city’s utilities manager, said in a statement released by city. “The studies show higher levels of manganese can cause infants and babies to develop learning and behavior problems like ADHD.”
The open house takes place Tuesday evening from 6pm to 7:30pm in the Larson Family Room of the Weitz Center for Creativity at Carleton College.
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The second event the city is hosting is on Thursday, Halloween Night, where the city is looking to hear from all community members, including trick-or-treaters about their opinions on the Comprehensive Plan. The Northfield 2045 Comprehensive Plan is a guidebook for the city to follow over the next 20 years. It forms the foundation for future policies, plans and land use regulations, addressing community needs related to housing, parks, economic development, and transportation.
The open house will include candy and opportunities for participants of all ages, including children, to share their thoughts and opinions. Art from the “Dear Northfield” project will also be on display.
After the event, the Planning Commission will discuss the 2045 Comprehensive Plan in November, and the City Council will consider and potentially adopt the plan in December.
Update: The date and location of this event has been updated. The previous news release stated the event would be on Thursday, October 31 from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington Street. The Comprehensive Plan Open House will take place Tuesday, October 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Northfield City Hall, 801 Washington Street.
