Northfield Economic Development Authority Meeting – November 24, 2025

The Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:03 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, with President Yoder presiding. Six members were present (Blazis, Yoder, Peterson-White, Allen, Stager, and Beumer) and one member was absent (Beaham). The board approved the agenda and consent calendar, heard a developer update on the 5th & Washington redevelopment project, approved the 2026-2028 Riverwalk Market Fair contract, discussed the Connecting Business and Community program, received board and staff reports, and adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the October 27, 2025 EDA meeting minutes.
• Approved the October 2025 EDA financials, including the October EDA 2025 Loan Report and October 2025 EDA Finances.
• Motion by Beumer, second by Peterson-White, carried 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment was received.

Discussion Items

• 5th & Washington Redevelopment Project (EDA M2025-023): City Administrator Ben Martig introduced Thomas Hertzog of Good Neighbor Homes and Schona Schmall with Estoria Cooperatives, who presented an update on the Streetfront/Good Neighbor Homes proposal for the Fifth Street and Washington Street site. The EDA discussed supporting scoping that includes a senior housing co-op, public restrooms, co-located refuse for surrounding businesses, and public parking, and seeking City Council feedback and direction to continue due diligence on design, costs, and financial details. An amendment was added stipulating that the developer seek commercial space on the ground floor, not put parking on the first-floor exterior façade, and provide some monumental corners.
• Riverwalk Market Fair Contract Review – FY 2026-2028 (EDA M2025-024): Community Development Program Associate Emery John introduced Derek Meyer, who presented on the City's current contract with Riverwalk Market Fair and reviewed the proposed 2026-2028 contract. The EDA then approved the 2026-2028 Riverwalk Market Fair contract.
• Connecting Business and Community (25-629): Emery John presented on the program, including the summary report and Research Report Chapter 2: Findings, and responded to EDA questions and comments. No formal action was taken on this discussion item.
• Staff Updates (25-630): Emery John presented city staff updates, including a Brookings article and a Business Quick Reference Guide, and responded to questions with City Administrator Ben Martig.

Board Member and Commissioner Reports

• Member Stager reported that Michael Johnson, the new head of the Northfield Arts Guild, said that with Northfield's one-percent contribution, Northfield is actually the highest per capita arts community in Minnesota.
• Member Peterson-White reminded everyone to shop small that week to support local businesses.
• President Yoder reported on a loan-signing ceremony between Full Potential Therapy and the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), describing it as the largest loan LEDC has sponsored in Northfield.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to extend the meeting until the conclusion of business, made by Peterson-White, seconded by Stager, carried 6-0.
• Approval of EDA M2025-023 as amended: Motion by Allen, seconded by Peterson-White, to approve the 5th & Washington redevelopment update with the added conditions regarding ground-floor commercial space, no first-floor exterior façade parking, and monumental corners. Carried 6-0.
• Approval of the 2026-2028 Riverwalk Market Fair Contract: Motion by Allen, seconded by Stager, carried 6-0.