Northfield Downtown Development Corporation

Members of the NDDC’s E R Team traveled to St. Paul once again to meet with legislators on the property tax issue. After years of meetings, it really feels like we’re finally making some progress.

Representative David Bly set up a meeting for us with Representative Paul Marquart (House District 09B). Representative Marquart is Chair of the Property Tax Relief Committee. We didn’t even know such a committee existed but you can imagine our excitement when we arrived at an office decorated with slogans critical of ever-rising property taxes.

Seated around the table are NDDC Board Secretary Keith Covey, NDDC Executive Director Ross Currier, NDDC Vice President Joe Grundhoefer, Representative Paul Marquart, Legislation Consultant Laura Sayles, and Representative David Bly.

The discussion was fast-paced. We discussed three possible methods for addressing the issue, one that focuses on historic commercial districts in Greater Minnesota and two that address the broader issue of commercial property taxation. A legislative work group will meet and evaluate the three options and recommend legislation.

Our plan is to reconvene in two weeks, the legislation should be drafted in the next month or so, we’ll circulate it throughout Greater Minnesota this summer and fall, and the bill will be introduced to the Legislature in January. As I said earlier, it really feels like we’re making some progress now.

What’s that saying about the cobbler’s children and shoes?

Okeh, so apparently I’m the last blogger in town to comment on the recent appearance of the “I Love Downtown Northfield” buttons (thanks to NorthfieldDotOrg and LocallyGrown), produced by the NDDC. Fortunately, Board President Mary Rossing agreed to have her button photographed, so I have an attractive illustration for this post.

The button is the brain child of the NDDC’s Events and Marketing Committee. That can-do assembly includes Mary Rossing (Present Perfect), Linda Schneewind (digs), Ally Beyer (Rare Pair), Anastasia Balfany (NDDC Board), Tammy Rice (Stoneyhill), Pam Gillespie (Edina Realty), Abby Erickson (By All Means Graphics), Julie Bixby (Chapati/Contented Cow), and Nichole Maloney (Sweet Pea’s Loft). Mary described them as “a great group of talented and
enthusiastic women who LOVE downtown”.

Although the buttons may generate some income (we paid for the manufacturing but the design, distribution, and sales work is volunteered), that was not the reason for the initiative. NDDC Board and Committee Members, as well as more than a few average citizens, felt that Northfield could use a little positive attitude.

So, come on down(town), buy a button, and share the love. Perhaps smile…and maybe even giggle or wink.

The NDDC Board continued with their schedule of visits to downtown businesses. A half dozen additional establishments received the map pad of knowledge and the coffee cup of welcome in recent days.

The group got a nickel tour of the Northfield YMCA’s exciting new space in the Northfield Armory at 519 Division Street from Executive Director Virginia Kaczmarek. Next they were shown the newly, and beautifully, remodeled space at the Fieldhouse Restaurant in Riverpark Mall, by owner Christina Lemke. Then they walked across the street and met the new owner of Churchhill Automotive (at 517 South Water Street) Milan Hart. It should be noted that Milan bought the business after he and his wife fell in love with the town during a visit.

A day later the NDDC crew was back at it, stopping first to thank Wayne Eddy and KYMN for all they do for the community. They then stopped in to see By All Means Graphics‘ new space at 17 Bridge Square, and to say “hey” to Rob Schanilec, running into the Chamber Ambassadors while there. The day’s visits ended with Maxine Closner at Swag (423 Division Street) and a viewing of her always changing and always inspiring collection of artistic objects.

The visits will continue. You never know where the NDDC Board will “strike” next.

Mary Rossing has accepted the position as President of the NDDC Board of Directors. After a couple of meetings and discussions with Dan Bergeson and Joe Grundhoefer, it truly became official when she attended her first Executive Committee meeting this morning.

Mary, pictured here with Secretary Keith Covey, Treasurer Dave Shumway, Past President Dan Bergeson, and Vice President Joe Grundhoefer, is a long-time downtown business owner. She has operated a studio or shop in downtown for ten years, and is now owner of the Present Perfect property and business.

Not satisfied with a mere day job, Mary is very active in the community. She has served on a number of boards and committees, is very active in Northfield’s cultural and social swirl and, with her spare time, is an artist. Those of us who know her recognize that the party, or event, or meeting, doesn’t really start until Mary arrives.

We are delighted that she has taken on the responsibility of serving as our President. We look forward to her leadership, guided by her intelligence, shaped by her creativity, and powered by her energy.

The following are the NDDC Priorities for 2008 as approved at the December 27th Board of Directors meeting.

The priorities, like the NDDC’s work since its creation by Jim Braucher, Keith Covey, Brett Reese and Bardwell Smith in 2000, are structured by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program’s Four Points.

This year, the Board (at Executive Committee Member Keith Covey’s urging) is pushing more of the authority and responsibility out to the committees. In an impressive demonstration of organizing ability, most of the committees have added a number of new members in recent months.

The priorities are outlined below:

Organizing: (Executive and PR/Communications Committees)

1. Continue to hold Monthly Forums, Quarterly Block Head Gatherings, Quarterly Chamber and NDDC Board Meetings, and Annual Mixers; Add Intentional Board Visits to Downtown Businesses
2. Continue to work on Advocacy for the Board of Appeals, the Downtown Library, Keeping the Liquor Store Downtown and Extending the Mill Towns’ Trail
3. Continue to Secure Sufficient Resources for the Organization; Enhance Public Relations Efforts, including Memberships, through Designated Board Committee

Promoting: (Events and Marketing Committee)

1. Continue to Lead or Support Efforts in Advertising, Events, Promotions, the Downtown Directory and Restaurant Guide (Creatively Reconceived and Enhanced by the E and M Committee)
2. Implement Retail Support Strategies Initiatives as Appropriate and/or Selected by the Designated Board Committee
3. Fill Event and/or Promotion Gaps in Annual Calendar as Identified by the RSS Task Force, particularly late January and April

Designing: (Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee)

1. Get Bike Racks Sitting in City Shop Installed, Get 6 Additional Bike Racks Installed; Pursue Newspaper Corrals
2. Investigate, Advocate and Implement Installation of Public Toilets in Downtown as Recommended by RSS Task Force
3. Continue Advocacy on Prioritized Streetscape Issues, Including Expansion and Redevelopment Along the Cannon River

Restructuring: (Expansion and Redevelopment Team)

1. Continue to Work on Commercial Property Tax Issue through Raising Community Awareness, Building Regional Coalition, Achieving Legislative Action; Revisit Downtown Management District and Outside Dining
2. Implement Appropriate and Selected Business Retention, Expansion and Recruitment Actions Items as Selected by Designated Board Committee
3. Advocate for and/or Participate in a High Priority Development Project such as the BCP, the AHR, or the CAC