Submitted by Pat Kriesel, LWV Observer
Carleton College requested a Future Land Use Amendment for 3 properties on East 2nd Street as well as a rezoning application for 2.7 acres north of 2nd Street and east of Maple Street. The meeting concluded with a staff presentation on the Residential Density study.
Carleton College plans to demolish some of the properties on Second Street and submit a Minor Subdivision application for the site. A neighborhood meeting focused on what type of new building would be
constructed there. Richard Strong, Director of Facilities at Carleton, said the college needs more housing on campus so that students will be convenient to food and recreational locations. Carleton owns 47 houses in the neighborhood, including 9 for faculty.
The 2.7 acres of college land would be rezoned to College Development Zone (CDZ.) The Comprehensive Plan designates Future Land Uses for “College” land which include classroom buildings, water facilities, athletic fields, residential dormitories and other student housing. Land can be used for open space or held for future expansion.
A motion to recommend both Carleton College applications to City Council passed.
Dan Olson, City Planner, gave a summary of the staff Residential Density analysis. Northfield was divided into 6 areas using gross densities:
1. Far Northwest- residential and NF Retirement Community- 2.9 units per acre LOW
2. Manufactured home park included- 5.6 units per acre APPROPRIATE
3. Northwest original town area- 3.76 units per acre APPROPRIATE
4. East side and downtown- 2.95 units per acre APPROPRIATE
5. Southeast- mixture low and high density- 2.07 units per acre VERY LOW
6. Southwest- some higher density and commercial- 3.22 units per acre LOW
The discussion considered how to best continue development without too much sprawl. A few Land Trust Homes were built to keep costs down for eligible buyers. How can the Planning Commission control development? Have regulations in place. A mixture of uses is one goal for the future.
Next meeting, Tuesday, November 8, 2005.
