by Dennis Dalman
The City of Sartell announced on Jan. 3 that it will present a series of interactive information sessions on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9 so residents can give input and ideas concerning the work-in-progress called the “Mill District.”
The Mill District refers to the long-time goal of developing various kinds of amenities on the huge empty former lot of the Verso Paper mill. An explosion and fire at the historic mill in 2012 caused it to close after which the buildings on the site were demolished and the rubble removed.
The city acquired that empty site last year and now owns it.
During the interactive sessions, the city’s plans, hopes and dreams for site development will be shared with the sessions’ participants.
There will be two kinds of sessions. Pop-up sessions will offer a chance to view provisional site-concept plans via traveling information boards and presentation of feedback and ideas.
The more formal interactive sessions will explore development options in a more in-depth manner. Residents are invited to share insights and actively contribute to the decision-making process.
The following are the various types of sessions offered:
Interative Pop-Up Sessions: Traveling information boards will be set up at various locations for an informal “come-and-go” experience.
Spot-On or Missed-the-Mark Stickers: Share thoughts by asking questions and providing written feedback using stickers that indicate whether the plans are “spot on” or “missed the mark.”
Formal Interactive Sessions: A more structured session will be conducted, offering a brief overview of concept plans, guidelines and the framework for the Mill District.
The sessions will take place at the following times and venues:
Monday, Jan. 8:
1-2:30 p.m. at Magnifi Financial, 300 Pinecone Road S., (pop-up session)
3:30-5 p.m. at Sartell Vibe, 234 Pinecone Road S. (pop-up session)
6-8 p.m. at the Sartell Community Center, 850 19th St. S., (interactive session)
Tuesday, Jan. 9:
7:30-8:30 a.m. at 2nd Street Coffee, 1091 Second St. S., (pop-up session)
9-10:30 a.m. at the Sartell Community Center, 850 19th St. S., (interactive session)
11 a.m.-noon at The Waters Church, 1227 Pinecone Road N. (pop-up session)
A message from the City of Sartell states the following:
“We encourage all community members to attend these sessions, voice their opinions and actively participate in shaping the future of the Mill District. Your input is invaluable in ensuring the redevelopment aligns with the community’s vision and aspirations.”
For more information, contact Anita Archambeau at anita.archambeau@outlook.com. Stay updated on social media with the hashtag #MillDistrictVision.
Anita Archambeau
