Submitted by Pat Kriesel, LWV Observer
The Planning Commission took action on four topics related to “The Crossing of Northfield” development located north of the present downtown. Two revisions to the Downtown District (C-1) regulations were approved.
Dan Olson, Senior Planner, presented a shaded zoning map showing the 5.9 acre area for The Crossing west of the Cannon River, east of Highway # 3, between 2nd Street and St. Olaf Avenue. The development will have 110 residential condominium units in two buildings along the river. Four commercial structures with 21,500 square feet of office space and 2,900 square feet of restaurant space in a fourth building are included on the Highway # 3 side of the site. The city will own a 1.3 acre open space/river corridor including a trail and canoe landing space.
Staff recommends the following for The Crossing of Northfield:
1. Land Sale: Parcels owned by the City and Northfield Economic Development Association (EDA) be sold to Mendota Homes Inc. as it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
2. Rezone the property from Downtown District (C-1) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) with conditions:
a. restaurant parking issues are decided
b. conformance to downtown streetscape plan
c. an “art pad” on roundabout is decided
Adjacent property owner, Roman Kopp, spoke about concerns of flooding on his wooded property and newly remodeled home due to increased elevation created by the fill on The Crossing site. He is working with the city staff and the developer.
In the future a stoplight may be needed at St. Olaf Avenue and Highway # 3 because of increased traffic.
3. The Final Plat be recommended for approval with conditions:
a. the applicant submit a document dedicating a public trail
b. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency approval
c. Sewer and Water Availability Charges are paid by the applicant. A Condo Association Element document clause, including the chamber grid operation maintenance costs be paid by the condo owner.
All staff recommendations for The Crossing of Northfield to the City Council passed.
Revisions to Downtown District (C-1) regulations:
Staff suggests that the Planning Commission recommend to City Council that new ordinance provisions be adopted to require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for multi-family residential density that exceeds the R-5 zoning district, a maximum of 25 units per acre, and delete the requirement for parking for new family residential.
After considerable discussion members passed the staff recommendation on to City council.
Next meeting is planned for January 10, 2006
