Northfield Council Preview: Construction Projects, Parking Lot Discussions on Tap

Northfield City Councilors have some heavy lifting planned on their agenda for Tuesday’s work session at .

Among the topics on tap are a report from city staff about Northfield’s street maintenance program and a refresher on the potential construction of a public parking lot in the 300 block of Washington Street.

Concerning the street maintenance program, city engineering staff will discuss a list of potential street repair, sidewalk and maintenance projects slated for 2012 to 2016. Highlighting that list are installing sidewalks called for in the Safe Routes to School plan, adding painted bike lanes to a number of streets and, in 2016, rebuilding Woodley Street between Division and Prairie streets.

As to the proposed Washington Street parking lot, the council will continue earlier discussions on whether to purchase an apartment building at 304 Washington St., raze the structure and convert the land into a parking lot. That lot would connect to smaller public parking lots to the north and south of the property, forming one large lot.

The proposed cost is $760,000.

Within the last two weeks, city leaders have received a letter and a petition from downtown business people supporting the parking lot idea.

Other items on Tuesday’s work session agenda include:

• A report from the city’s ad hoc finance study group on its work with and the .
• An update on the 2012 budget, including discussion on the proposed fire command position and transit funding.

WHAT TO GO TO MEETING?
WHEN: 7 p.m. today
WHERE: Northfield City Hall
WHO: Open to the public