This piece appeared as a Guest Column in today’s (December 29) Northfield News. For pretty much most of this century, owners of commercial property in downtown Northfield have been complaining about steadily and substantially rising property taxes. Since 2000, these building owners have experienced annual average tax increases of 30%. Think about it, their property [...]
Northfield has long enjoyed a vibrant local music scene. In recent years, Gospel Gossip, the Big Wu and Afternoon Records have raised our visibility regionally, however, the story goes back to the late ’60s and early ’70s, when there were many bands and frequent dances, perhaps best symbolized by the 1978 Jesse James Music Festival. [...]
Although many of us were saddened by the closing the The Art Store, there’s a reason to be hopeful too. A new art store is opening in Downtown Northfield. I got a chance to talk with April Ripka, the owner of The Sketchy Artist, a few weeks ago. She was busy getting ready to open, [...]
Over the past 12 months, the NDDC workload has included a variety of activities and initiatives. We have continued the last four years’ intensive focus on the economic vitality of our authentic downtown. As we have said before, our efforts are structured on the National Trust’s Main Street Program’s Four Points. These are: Organizing, Promoting, [...]
…or is she running with wolves? I stopped by the Art Store to say “Hey” to Ann Marie Boyle. As many of you are probably aware, she’s closing down The Art Store. After 4 years of owning and operating the store, Ann Marie is heading to Australia. Contrary to many colorful rumors (she’s running away [...]
