Northfield YMCA Signs Purchase Agreement for Land, Files CUP With City

The Northfield Area Family YMCA on Monday submitted a Conditional Use Permit with the city to build on a 5-acre piece of property behind Target.

That’s according to Y Volunteer Board Chair Mari Aylin, who wrote an update on the YMCA’s website on Monday. Aylin also wrote that the nonprofit recently signed a purchase agreement to acquire the plot of land on Honey Locust Drive to build a 45,000-square foot facility.

The land, currently owned by Eugene Jasnoch’s Locust Limited Partnership, has an estimated market value of $66,300 for payable 2012 taxes, according to Rice County property records. That’s a decrease from $102,000 for 2011.

Aylin also writes that the committee evaluated 30 sites in Northfield with considerations to, among other things, land cost, location, size, zoning, accessibility, safe access, connection to bicycle and walking routes.

After several months of research and discussion last year with the Northfield School District to put the Y facility on the high school grounds, the school board in October 2010 voted 5-2 to end negotiations.

The Y is hopeful that the CUP will be approved by September with plans to complete the project in phases. According to Y documents, the timeline is to break ground next year with the facility opening in 2013.

The building, according to documents on the Y website, will include a full-size indoor pool—with lap lanes, zero depth entry and water exercise/swim lesson area—a gymnasium, indoor walking track, health and wellness center, locker rooms and community multipurpose space.

The Y currently uses the Northfield Armory for many of its classes and camps.

Y Executive Director Virginia Kaczmarek did not immediately return a call Monday seeking comment.