Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Northfield’s new data center rules could mean for your neighborhood

And on the Northfield Patch calendar - River Walk Market Fair

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Hello again Northfield! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Northfield's new data center rules could mean for your neighborhood
  • How Northfield's Hillcrest Village helped rewrite the rules on net-zero housing
  • Nationally ranked college runners just tested Northfield's championship-caliber course.

Also on today's calendar: Folklorico: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partly sunny, a stray t-storm, with a high of 73 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Saturday: Warmer; breezy in the p.m., temps: high: 87, low: 63. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Sunny, breezy and very warm, with a high of 86 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Northfield council approves data center setback changes amid public concerns (kymnradio.net) — Northfield's City Council has tightened where future data centers can go, setting 200-foot setbacks from homes and trails while leaving room for potential projects under strict review. Officials say they're balancing residents' concerns about noise, water use, and lighting with the need to grow the tax base. Any proposal will still face conditional use permits and possible added protections as regulations continue to be refined.
   

2. A Minnesota nonprofit designed net-zero housing that is also affordable. Here's how (mprnews.org) — A Minnesota nonprofit with roots in Faribault and Northfield is proving that net-zero, solar-powered housing can still be affordable for families. After launching Hillcrest Village in Northfield, Community Action Center has opened Ridgeview Heights in Faribault and inspired a private net-zero project planned in Northfield next year. Their approach could shape future local developments with lower utility costs and greener design.
   

3. Weekend recap: The Bears competed across the country over fall break (studlife.com) — Northfield just hosted the collegiate Running of the Cows meet, bringing 13 men's cross country teams, including nationally ranked WashU squads, to Carleton's course as potential preview for NCAA championships. The recap also tracks WashU's busy fall break, from soccer wins on the East Coast to strong tennis, volleyball, and swim-and-dive showings nationwide.
   

4. City Council debates 2027 salary raises for local officials (southernminn.com) — Owatonna's city council just advanced a modest salary increase for its mayor and council members starting in 2027, even as they face pressure to trim an 11.2% preliminary levy hike. For Northfield readers, the debate offers a useful comparison, since Owatonna's pay would remain higher than nearby cities and follows Northfield's own recent two-phase council pay raise.
   

📸 Around Northfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for Customer Service Rep (01970) - 110 E 4th St in Northfield. Apply here.
  • St. Olaf College posted a job opening for Alumni and Parent Relations Student Musician (WS-NST-E)) in Northfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Northfield here.

Ok Northfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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