Jim Vold, Foreman Northfield Construction Company "Building and development
here in Northfield is just like anywhere else." |
Patrick Ganey, Executive Director Cannon River Watershed Partnership "Planning should address the long-term implications of this development" |
Sabrina, Homeowner Rosewood Estates "Now anyone who can commute is moving to places like Northfield" |
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Northfield and Development |
| "Northfield should project a clear community-identity
reflecting its history, landmarks, natural resources and distinctive sense
of place" and "Downtown Northfield should continue to be the center and focus
of social, commercial, and community life." These "guiding principles" of
the Northfield Comprehensive Plan seem to lay out the framework for the future.
However, the rate of growth within the city is increasing every year.
In order to maintain a sense of community development must be closely
monitored and managed. As of the 2000 census period Northfield had a population of 17,147 people. Since then it appears to many residents that the city has already grown greatly. Sabrina, who moved to Northfield in June of 2002, has already seen her neighborhood expand. With the St. Olaf and Carleton College lands blocking development to the north of town, much of the current residential and commercial development is taking place south of town. Agricultural land is being converted to residential lots quickly. According to landowner Ron Nuebel, famers ready to sell can gain thousands of dollars more per acre by selling their property as lots for residential development. At the same time developers are offering large amounts of money to buy out farmers with land close to town. It appears that Northfield is quickly changing from an agricultural community to a suburb. |
•Take a closer look at Northfield Development •Photos of Residential Development •The North Zoning Map |
